Norris Trophy Rankings: Josi putting Preds on his back

Welcome to the sixth edition of theScore's 2023-24 Norris Trophy Rankings and the fifth in-season version. New rankings are published once a month throughout the campaign.

These rankings focus on analytics and the all-around ability of defensemen rather than only points or reputation.

Two entrants left off the last edition rejoin the mix this time around.

xGF% = five-on-five expected goals for percentage

5. Miro Heiskanen, Stars

Previous rank: N/A

Heiskanen has been the NHL's best defensive defenseman this season. He leads all blue-liners in expected goals against per 60 minutes and defensive goals above replacement. The Finn isn't overly physical or imposing, but he uses an effortless skating stride to close gaps on opposing forwards quickly and help efficiently transition the puck the other way.

His excellent defensive game has turned into offense lately, as he's registered 13 points in 15 games since the last edition of these rankings on Feb. 8. Being paired with another mobile blue-liner in Thomas Harley has helped Heiskanen elevate his game at both ends of the ice.

Heiskanen missed 11 games earlier in the campaign. While that may take him out of the running for the top three on this list, his overall body of work still warrants down-ballot consideration.

4. Noah Dobson, Islanders

Previous rank: 3rd

Dobson remains the Islanders' most important player, sitting only four points behind forward Mathew Barzal for the team lead. It's an abomination that Dobson didn't make the All-Star team.

The Islanders have climbed back into a playoff spot on the heels of a 6-1-0 run over the last couple of weeks. Dobson's recent performances have been a major reason why, as he's tallied 12 points in 14 games with a 52.67 xGF% since the previous rankings.

The only reason Dobson drops in these rankings is because the player ahead of him is on a scorching-hot tear.

3. Roman Josi, Predators

Previous rank: N/A

Josi appeared on the November and December editions of these rankings but has been left off since. We could no longer deny him, though.

The Predators captain has carried his team back into the postseason picture with a 12-2-2 run since the last edition of these rankings. Josi has racked up a team-high 20 points in that 16-game stretch.

On the season, Josi has been a key driver of offense for a Predators team lacking depth. He sits just four points back of Filip Forsberg for the team lead. His underlying numbers have been stellar, too, as he ranks third among NHL defensemen in goals above replacement.

Putting together this type of season at age 33 is mighty impressive and further cements Josi's case for the Hall of Fame.

2. Cale Makar, Avalanche

Previous rank: 2nd

Makar hasn't exactly had the best stretch of play, recording a relatively modest 13 points in 16 games since the last edition of these rankings - and that includes a four-point night. Even his underlying numbers have been more human-like, which isn't what we've come to expect from the 2022 Norris and Conn Smythe winner.

But Makar's overall body of work still warrants his position as the Norris Trophy runner-up at this point of the season. He ranks second among NHL blue-liners in points, trailing No. 1 on our list by three despite skating in five fewer games. The 25-year-old remains one of the most dynamic players in the league - regardless of position.

1. Quinn Hughes, Canucks

Previous rank: 1st

Hughes hasn't had the most productive month, either. He's recorded 12 points in 17 games since our last rankings but has done enough to hold down his No. 1 spot.

The Canucks stalwart leads all NHL blue-liners in points and goals above replacement - the latter of which he leads by a 3.3 margin. Vancouver has outscored the opposition by a miraculous 94-55 with Hughes on the ice at even strength this season.

Hughes has always been a dangerous offensive threat, but the way he's rounded out his two-game this season - amid his first year as the captain of the NHL's most surprising team - is remarkable.

(Analytics source: Evolving-Hockey)