We’re big fans of Mike Green here at Pro Hockey Talk. We’ve talked about how his numbers compare to some of the greatest all-time defensemen, and the PHT readers all agree that Green is the best offensive defenseman currently playing in the NHL.
But is it enough for a Norris Trophy?
Mike Brophy of Sportsnet.ca asks the question.
With 17 goals and 71 points in 70 games, Green certainly has the offensive credentials. Not only that, his plus-33 is second best in the NHL amongst defenceman. Only teammate Jeff Schultz‘s plus-37 is better. How much of a defensive liability can you really be at plus-33?
Also boding well for Green is the fact he also led the NHL in scoring among defencemen last season, with a whopping 31 goals and 73 points in 68 games. Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins edged Green out for the Norris Trophy last season, but it is easy to imagine voters looking at Green’s body of work over two seasons and deciding he has earned the honor this year.
Duncan Keith is most likely Green’s biggest competition, as there’s no doubt he’s becoming the most complete defenseman in the NHL. But is he there yet? It’s a great argument over whether raw numbers will outweigh the public perception that Green is soft on defense. If you just watch him play game after game, it becomes obvious how dangerous he is on the ice and just how important he is to the success of the Capitals.
Hopefully Green’s acting ability isn’t used against him. It’s not his fault he has the on screen charisma of a rock.