A trio of underrated forwards are emerging as potential dark horse contenders for the Norris Trophy, which honors the NHL’s top defenseman. While the award typically favors established stars, recent standout performances from lesser-known players have sparked conversations about their eligibility. Analysts highlight their defensive impact, offensive contributions, and leadership as key factors in their rising profiles. The debate over whether skill or defensive prowess should carry more weight in the award’s consideration adds intrigue to the discussion.

Three NHL Dark Horse Candidates For The 2026-27 Norris Trophy  thehockeynews.com