The Norris Trophy Odds are Clear; This is John Carlson’s Race… For Now
The 2020 Norris Trophy odds have told the story of a one-man race for most of this season, but the defenseman in the lead may have a few blueliners catching up to him. John Carlson had a tremendous start to the season and still leads all defensemen in points. However, his early-season performance has been reflected in his odds, and at this point they’re becoming to short to bet on.
Carlson is the odds-on favorite to win the 2020 Norris Trophy at -500. It’s not completely unwarranted as his 58 points are 11 more than the second-most by a defenseman, his 45 assists are 12 more than the second-most by a d-man and he’s a plus-14 in nearly 25 minutes of ice time for the league-leading Washington Capitals.
The Capitals are in the spotlight and Carlson will benefit from that. However, there is little-to-no value in betting on a defenseman at -500, especially given the horses behind him.
Behind Carlson in the odds three defensemen with odds between +400 and +800, one d-man at +1600 and two at +330. So, in summation, a few contenders, one mid-range value, and two complete longshots.
Let’s run it down.
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The Norris Trophy Odds for Everybody Else
Roman Josi (Norris Trophy odds: +400)
The captain of the Nashville Predators is the defenseman that Carlson has to worry about the most.
Josi is the aforementioned defenseman that is second among defensemen in both goals and assists. He does have more goals (14) than Carlson (13) and plays over a minute more than Carlson per game (25:53 vs. 24:46). Those are big minutes.
Josi is the heart of Nashville, but the Predators being out of a playoff spot may hurt his chances.
Dougie Hamilton (Norris Trophy odds: +600)
Dougie Hamilton was on pace for a career season before suffering a fractured left leg. His season (and Norris Trophy chances) is over.
Victor Hedman (Norris Trophy odds: +800)
Victor Hedman is third among defensemen in points (41) for the surging Tampa Bay Lightning. However, those 41 points are 17 behind Carlson and Hedman is unlikely to catch up.
Cale Makar (Norris Trophy odds: +1600)
Cale Makar has 10 goals and 24 assists for 34 points in his rookie season. He is only playing 20:39 per game, so he has essentially no chance at the Norris Trophy.
Alex Pietrangelo (Norris Trophy odds: +3300)
If you want a longshot in the race, Alex Pietrangelo is your guy. He is a big part of the reigning Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues and has 38 points in 48 games. That’s 20 points less than Carlson, but at +3300 it’s worth a flier.
Keith Yandle (Norris Trophy odds: +3300)
Keith Yandle has 34 points and is just a plus-three in 20:16 per game for the Florida Panthers. He’s behind Pietrangelo in the race, not to mention Hedman, Josi and Carlson.
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John Carlson is running away in the Norris Trophy race, but at -500 it’s not enough of a slam dunk to bet on. Josi is worth betting on, as is Pietrangelo if you’re looking for a longshot.
