Avalanche's Cale Makar is causing headaches around the NHL after latest development
Photo credit: NHL.com/Avalanche
There is no doubt that Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar is the best defensemen in the NHL, and it seems like every year he's the clear candidate for the Norris Trophy, but this also suggests that the NHL should add another defensemen award to recognize more of the league's stars.
The idea that maybe it shouldn't just be for the defensemen who gets the most points, but recognizing a defensive defensemen, similar to the Selke award for forwards.
Cale Makar is so dominant, the NHL might need a new defenseman award..
Ryan O'Hara of Mile High Hockey suggested an intriguing idea about the Norris Trophy and Cale Makar. While Makar is clearly the top all-around defenseman, perhaps there should be a separate award to honor players who excel strictly in the defensive side of the game.
"Believe it or not, over the past year several Colorado Avalanche fans have reached out to me directly about this very issue, urging me to support a movement for multiple defensive awards-so that defensemen outside the points race can finally receive proper recognition for their contributions." -O'Hara
Much like the Selke Trophy honours the NHL's best defensive forward, a distinction Patrice Bergeron elevated to legendary status, the same case can be made for defensemen.
Either the Norris could shift toward recognizing more defensive-minded blueliners, while a new award highlights offensive defensemen, or a brand-new award could be created specifically to celebrate shutdown specialists on the back end.
"At first, the proposal was met with some skepticism, shaped largely by my largely traditionalist outlook. Change is not always easy to embrace, and there is a certain preference for stability and continuity in the way things have long been done. Perspectives naturally vary, and this one is no exception." -O'Hara
Although adding another award might water down the prestige of the Norris, it would give proper recognition to all facets of the position. Shutdown defensemen are every bit as vital as the offensive playmakers, yet they're often overlooked.
While Makar stands above the rest as the best all-around defenseman, he's not the league's top pure shutdown player, and those who are deserve their share of the spotlight.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 23 | 18 ANSWERS Avalanche's Cale Makar is causing headaches around the NHL after latest development Should the NHL introduce another defenseman award thanks to the dominance of Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar? | ||
| yes | 10 | 55.6 % |
| no | 8 | 44.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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