Top 3 Norris Trophy Candidates As Season Concludes

As the season comes to an end, it's time to check out the top contenders for the major awards in the NHL for the 2022-23 campaign. 

We begin with the backline, with a look at the best odds to take home the James Norris Memorial Trophy.

Erik Karlsson

He's baaaack. And that's an understatement. The two-time Norris winner of days gone by not only regained his health and his stature as the top offensive defenseman in the game, but he set standards on 'O' not seen since the days of Bobby Orr. 

In fact, per Daily Faceoff, Karlsson just posted "the single best era-adjusted performance by anyone not named Bobby Orr or Paul Coffey since the Great Depression." 

Cracking the 100-point mark for the first time at age 32, the Sharks D-man has 25 goals and 75 assists, both career highs. 

But about that defense... The other side of being a Norris Trophy winner should feature some defensive prowess as well. And that's where Karlsson falls off compared to the other contenders. He's still the overwhelming odds-on favorite, however, according to the sportsbooks (DraftKings lists him at -450, FanDuel at -400), but he has some competition.

Adam Fox

Another former Norris winner is next on the list, as the New York Rangers' fourth-year player Adam Fox is the most complete two-way defenseman in the league once again. 

With 71 points, he still brings the offense, but his play without the puck has been huge for the Rangers this season. At +1000 odds, he's the second choice on FanDuel, and tied for third-favorite at DraftKings (same odds).

Josh Morrissey

The Winnipeg Jets D-man has made a huge leap this season offensively, and is generally considered the third-favorite for the award by the sportsbooks. 

More than doubling his point totals of any other season (75 points), Morrissey stands at +1200 on FanDuel, and +1000 at DraftKings. 

But in addition to the burgeoning offensive prowess, Morrissey is solid in all three zones on the ice, and is an all-around defensive rock. 

Honorable mentions go to Dougie Hamilton and Rasmus Dahlin. 

Votes will be cast after the season ends this week. 

Top Candidates for the Calder Trophy can be found here

Top Veniza Candidates are listed here

Photo: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports