Norris Trophy Rankings: Quinn Hughes the easy choice for No. 1

Welcome to the second edition of theScore's 2023-24 Norris Trophy Rankings and the first in-season version. New rankings will be 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.

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

5. Roman Josi, Predators

Josi is doing a lot of heavy lifting for the Predators. With a thin forward group, the club counts on the 33-year-old to create offense from the back end, and he hasn't disappointed. Josi ranks second among Preds skaters and third among NHL defensemen in shots (42).

But he's also playing some of the best defensive hockey of his career. Josi's xGF% and expected goals against per 60 minutes (2.13) are the best since his Norris-winning campaign in 2020, and the latter stat ranks 22nd among blue-liners with at least 100 five-on-five minutes.

4. Drew Doughty, Kings

Doughty is turning back the clock. The 2016 Norris winner and four-time finalist is playing some of his best hockey over the last six seasons. Even at age 33 (he turns 34 in December), he continues to be a workhorse, leading all NHL skaters in average ice time.

Doughty has been highly effective in his heavy minutes, as he's been on the ice for 17 goals for and nine against at even strength. Looking under the hood, his xGF% is in the top 50 at his position.

Doughty ranks tied for fourth among blue-liners in goals, although his 18.2% shooting percentage is due for some regression. However, the savvy veteran is exceptionally difficult to play against, and it's his superb 200-foot game that gives him the edge over other productive defensemen left off this list.

3. Miro Heiskanen, Stars

The offensive production hasn't quite been there for Heiskanen, even though a 53-point pace is nothing to scoff at. But he deserves a spot this high on the list due to his play at both ends.

Heiskanen has been on the ice for 10 goals for and only six against at five-on-five, and his xGF% is best among qualified NHL defensemen. As one of the game's most prolific skaters, he excels at transporting the puck up ice and using his legs to thwart opposing threats. Heiskanen could challenge for a higher spot on our list if the production begins to follow his strong underlying play.

2. Cale Makar, Avalanche

Makar has been his usual dynamite self offensively, as he's coming off an impressive three-assist night during Tuesday's win over the New Jersey Devils. He's been a threat in transition and walking the offensive-zone blue line.

However, even though his defensive game is underrated and has improved with time, it's been a bit more uneven to start the year than what we've become accustomed to. His xGF% is rather pedestrian from his lofty standards, and his defensive rating is minus-0.3.

The fact that Makar is capable of more, yet still ends up second on this list, shows just how special of a talent he really is.

1. Quinn Hughes, Canucks

Hughes paces all NHL defensemen in points and is tied for the league lead in assists with his brother, Jack, and teammate Elias Pettersson. He vowed to shoot the puck more this season, and it's made an incredible difference. Hughes' 3.75 shots per contest is nearly double his previous high of 1.97.

However, the other aspects of his game have also been outstanding, which puts a sizeable gap between him and the rest of the pack. Hughes has vastly improved his defensive play and has only been on the ice for three goals against at five-on-five. While some of that is due to the strong goaltending the Canucks have received, his underlying numbers are also stellar.

Vancouver runs through Hughes. As great as Pettersson and Thatcher Demko have been this season, there's a strong case to be made that Hughes, named captain before the start of the campaign, is the Canucks' most valuable player and the key reason for their surprising 9-2-1 start. At this point, Hughes should be garnering Hart Trophy consideration, too.

Honorable mentions: Adam Fox (injured), Shea Theodore, Moritz Seider

(Analytics sources: Evolving-Hockey, Natural Stat Trick)