Why Hampus Lindhol Deserves the Norris Trophy

(Bob DeChiara / USA Today)

In many awards across the major leagues of the U.S. they get narrowed to certain groups only to win. Such as the NFL MVP being only offensive players and more specifically a quarterback. The Norris Trophy is not exempt from this.

The Norris Trophy award goes to a “defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position”. The award has transformed into the defensive player who has had the most points or the second most amount of points. The defensive side of the award is often forgotten.

Hampus Lindholm should be talked about way more for the Norris Trophy. He is second in plus minus and has been first for most of the season. He leads the league in defensive point shares. Lindholm has been crucial for the league leaders and led the Bruins when Charlie McAvoy was injured. Lindholm has 51 points, 10 goals and 41 assists.

Photo from NHL.com

Erik Karlson does lead defensmen in points but he is also a minus 14 on the season. He is also second in goals on ice against. He has been on the ice for 123 goals this season. His defensive performance is so bad that he does not deserve to win the trophy.  The Sharks are also second to last in the Pacific Division and are a lottery team.