NHL Announces Norris Trophy Finalists

The NHL has announced the finalists for the 2022-23 Norris Trophy, which recognizes the best defenseman in the league for the regular season.

The three finalists are Adam Fox of the New York Rangers, Erik Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks, and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche.

Norris Trophy finalists, as voted by members of @ThePHWA: Adam Fox (NYR), Erik Karlsson (SJ) and Cale Makar (COL).

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 4, 2023

The winner will be revealed during the 2023 NHL Awards on June 26 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Adam Fox had another impressive season, finishing eighth in scoring among defensemen with 72 points (12 goals, 60 assists) in 82 games. He played a significant role in helping the Rangers qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Erik Karlsson, a five-time Norris Trophy finalist and two-time winner (in 2012 and 2015), had a remarkable season, setting a new personal record with 101 points, becoming the first defenseman in 31 years to achieve over 100 points in a season.

He also played a full 82-game season for the first time since 2015-2016 and led the Sharks in ice time with an average of 25:37 per game.

Fox. Makar. Karlsson. The Norris trophy nominees are STACKED 🔥

Who's taking home the hardware next month? pic.twitter.com/LGZ1mKnRua

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 4, 2023

Cale Makar also had an exceptional season with 66 points (17 goals, 49 assists) in 60 games, averaging 1.10 points per game.

He also led all defensemen in average ice time (26:23) and tied for second among defensemen with six game-winning goals. Makar won the Norris Trophy last season and could become the first player to repeat since Nicklas Lidstrom won three straight for the Detroit Red Wings from 2006 to 2008.

2023 Norris Trophy finalists, as voted by @ThePHWA: Adam Fox (NYR), Erik Karlsson (SJS) and Cale Makar (COL).

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 4, 2023

Despite the strong performances of these three defensemen, other players who also deserve recognition are Quinn Hughes, Hampus Lindholm, Rasmus Dahlin, Brent Burns, and Jaccob Slavin.

It will be interesting to see who ultimately takes home the award and whether Makar will become the first player in over a decade to repeat as Norris Trophy winner. Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports