Arizona Coyotes Norris Trophy Candidate: Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Oliver Ekman-Larsson Should Be Considered For The Norris Trophy Award

Everything I’ve read does NOT have OEL in the running for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the best defenseman in the NHL each season. Last season Oliver was fourteenth in voting, and in the shortened ’12-’13 season he was seventh. I think with his increased production this past season he should move higher in the voting.

Unfortunately, the press seems to pay more attention to the East Coast teams, and ignores the Western teams. I mean one must go back to 1998 when Rob Blake from the L.A. Kings won to find a player on a team west of the Mississippi.

The last three winners — 2014 Duncan Keith (Chicago), 2013 P.K. Subann (Montreal), 2012 Erik Karlsson (Ottawa) are again in the top five to win the award this season.

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The season that Oliver Ekman-Larsson had must be considered. He tied the franchise record for goals as a defenseman with 23. His on ice time has been a non-exhaustive 25 minutes a game, and he has only missed two games over those three seasons.

And while I don’t hold much appreciation for the +/- statistics, his were not all that great with an average of −17 over the three year period. Given the fact that the Arizona Coyotes have not done well the last three years, and failed to qualify for the playoffs, it is tough for any team member to get into the positive range of this statistic.

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Going to his strong suit, he has been THE CLUTCH player of the team the last couple seasons, with overtime winning goals, game winning goals, and the go-to guy to give the puck to when the team needs some success.

Beyond that, most of the other candidates are on ice leaders. Does OEL fit into that category? You bet — not only was he made an alternate captain when the team unloaded Keith Yandle, he has been rumored to be the next in line to pin the “C” on his Sedona Red sweater when current captain, Shane Doan either leaves the team, or gets traded, or whatever.

I mean there is not much else to cheer about with this team, given their awful season. So, if Oliver Ekman-Larsson were to be given some recognition this season, it would be great. Will it happen? Don’t know… considering the way Arizona gets very little press, it’s not likely.

When I as a devoted hockey fan need to go to the back two pages of the sports page to even find some information on the Arizona Coyotes, it holds to fact that the press overlooks this team. What will it take to get some attention? A WINNING TEAM.

With the number three NHL Draft selection this summer, and the exciting future that players like Max Domi, Anthony Duclair, Christian Dvorak, Toby Rieder, Connor Murphy to name a few, bring to this team, one can only hope that good things are on the Arizona horizon.

And, that should include someone like Oliver Ekman-Larsson getting some much deserved attention as a Norris Trophy candidate, and one day winner. Funny how winning gets everyone’s attention, isn’t it?

If this team starts winning (and the plan in place is to do exactly that… sooner rather than later) then good things will naturally happen, and one day Arizona will put its name on the Stanley Cup…. I’m hoping that happens sooner than later also… how about you?

OEL FOR NORRIS TROPHY ! ! GO YOTES ! !

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