It is award season for the NHL. So far there have been nominations announced for the Selke Trophy, Calder Trophy, and the Norris Trophy. There are three names that make the ballot for every award. For the Norris, there is one New York Ranger that is on the ballot. Here is why Adam Fox should win the Norris Trophy.
Why Adam Fox Should Take Home The Norris Trophy
It is a true honour to be nominated for any award. When you are playing at your best, it is special to be recognized for what you do day in and day out. Alongside Adam Fox are Cale Makar and Erik Karlsson for this award. Each defenseman presents their own special case worthy of winning the award. However, he is why Adam Fox should win the Norris Trophy for the 2022-23 season.
The Case For Adam Fox
Adam Fox, who finished eighth among defensemen with 12-60—72 (82 GP), also placed among the leading 2022-23 blueliners in takeaways (t-1st; 88), power-play assists (4th; 28), assists (t-4th) and game-winning goals (t-4th; 5). #NHLAwards #NHLStats: https://t.co/PBHG7Ytaru pic.twitter.com/6gDQLbZWtO
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 4, 2023
Offensively
Adam Fox is such a special player. Ever since he broke out onto the scene on Broadway, he has shined brightly. Fox has emerged as the franchise defenseman and a cornerstone piece to the core group. In addition, he has become one of the best two way defensemen in the league. But let’s talk about his offensive game. Among defensemen this season, Fox finished with 72 points. In addition, Fox went to finish fourth in assists among defensemen as well as power-play assists (28). Of the 12 goals he scored (career high), five of them were game winning goals. Here is one of them below in their comeback win against Dallas.
ADAM FOX IS HIM! THE RANGERS WIN IN OT!
(via @RangersMSGN) pic.twitter.com/7NTQH1qk6D
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) January 13, 2023
Fox makes his impacts on the ice in other areas. Among all defensemen that have played 600 minutes, Fox has the eighth-best Corsi For (58.97%). This is better than the other two defensemen he’s going up against. Fox is a defenseman who excels in transition. His hockey IQ and awareness offensively are sensational. His ability to generate chances separates him from the pack as he ranks third in xGoals for (141.03). Only two players ahead of him are Brandon Montour and Karlsson. In addition, Fox ranked third in scoring chances and high danger corsi for. Getting to the high-danger areas was a large part of his game to getting good chances. When on the ice, the Rangers had 72 high-danger goals (4th).
Adam Fox has emerged as a special player, but his offensive game is not all he is known for.
The Sly Fox Defensively
When you think of Adam Fox, you automatically jump to his offensive game. But he is more than just that. Fox was very good defensively and saw a good part of the year being without defensive partner Ryan Lindgren. One thing that makes Fox standout against the other Norris Trophy nominees is he ability to steal the puck. Fox led all defensemen in takeaways with 88. In addition, among the Rangers defensive pairs, Fox’s tandem was second in xGoals against per 60 minutes (2.3). What this means is Fox and his pair are good at suppressing the oppositions chances. To make matters better, any pair that Fox was on averaged under two goals against per 60 minutes. Not only did he elevate his play defensively, but his pairs excelled with him on them. However, his xGoals against ranks him 31st. He is ahead of Karlsson but behind Makar. This is in all situations. As you can see, Fox excels defensively as well.
The Verdict
Adam Fox very well could win the Norris Trophy. There is a clear case to be made as to why he should win. Fox has the offensive production to go with his stellar defensive play. However, he is going up against a player that did something nobody else has in 30 years. Karlsson hit the 100-point mark for the first time since Brian Leetch (1991-92). Regardless of that, Fox has a case to win the Norris Trophy and could become the second player to capture the award in just four or more seasons in the league since Bobby Orr.
Main Photo: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
