Some New Names Are Upsetting the Norris Trophy Odds
Norris Trophy contenders are dropping like flies as we enter the Holiday portion of the NHL schedule. A number of the usual suspects in the
race for the Norris trophy are far out of the picture as we near the New Year. Familiar names like Victor Hedman, Drew Doughty, and Brent Burns are completely off the Norris trophy radar. However, the next group of emerging defensemen have sprung up in their place.
It is essential that a defenseman not miss any time to injury to win the Norris Trophy. In the last ten years, the most games missed by a Norris winner was six. Current New Jersey Devils blueliner P.K. Subban sat out the beginning games of the 2012-13 season due to a contract holdout. Therefore, if you’re going to bet on a contender to win the Norris trophy in the future, make sure they are not injury prone.
A new contender has emerged in the Norris trophy race, as Cole Makar of the Colorado Avalanche has made his name heard. Makar has led all Avs defenders in goals with eight and has added 20 helpers in just 29 games played thus far.
The 21-year old currently has odds of +800 to win the Norris Trophy. He has been fantastic these past few weeks, and should he continue his current run of play, the odds on Makar will surely fall. At that price, Makar is a value play that could come through if the Avs continue their run of success.
Unfortunately, Makar left Saturday’s game with an upper body injury. Thankfully the Avs have listed their star defenseman as day to day, and he is not expected to be out long term.
Keith Yandle is Shining, but the Best Norris Trophy Odds are Still with John Carlson
Keith Yandle of the Florida Panthers has also thrust his name in the Norris Trophy conversation in recent weeks. Through 33 games this season, Yandle has 4 goals and 25 assists for the Panthers. Most importantly, Yandle has captained Florida’s powerplay, and has been the mastermind behind their success. He’s led from the front on the man advantage this year, with 15 power play points already.
With his odds sitting at +2000 to win the Norris, a few speculative dollars on Yandle could lead to a big payout at the end of the season. If you’re feeling lucky, use morning coffee dollars on a bet on Keith Yandle to win the Norris Trophy instead. The payout could be far more beneficial.
While Yandle and Makar are doing their thing on the edges of the continental U.S., the Norris Trophy odds on favorite is still John Carlson in the nation’s capital. The Washington defenseman is seventh overall in points this season with a 12/33 split in 35 games! That obviously leads all defenseman and he will be the man to chase all season long for the award. Victor Hedman and Dougie Hamilton are also keeping the younger bucks at bay, but for now, it is the John Carlson show and we’re all happy to have bought tickets.
