Dallas Stars: John Klingberg Is A Frontrunner In Norris Trophy Race
There is plenty of time left in the 2017-18 NHL regular season for players to make a run at different NHL awards. But as of right now, Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg is leading the charge for the Norris Trophy.
The Dallas Stars aren’t known for winning many awards.
While other superstars and popular teams around the league are frequently present at the NHL Awards every June, the Stars kind of sift to the corner. Dallas only has one Stanley Cup victory in their 25 years in the league, and is rarely present in specific player awards.
Of the major awards that are given out at the end of each season, the Dallas Stars almost never walk away with anything. Besides Jamie Benn winning the Art Ross Trophy in 2015 (simply because he had more points than any other player in the NHL) and Jere Lehtinen winning the Selke Trophy three times back in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, there has been nothing else to speak of. There’s no Vezina Trophy, Calder Trophy, Masterton Trophy, or Hart Trophy to speak of throughout Dallas Stars history.
In addition to all of that, there is no Norris Trophy winner in Dallas Stars history either. But that all may very well change by the end of this season. That’s because John Klingberg, playing in just his third full season in the league, is arguably leading the race for the Norris Trophy.
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Now, you may be thinking that it’s just not probable. You may be thinking about how some networks (*cough* NHL Network *cough*) didn’t even include him in their projections. The thought of all of the other potential defenders in the race might also subdue your hopes.
But they shouldn’t. At this moment in the season, it seems like Klingberg is the obvious choice to win. And though the Dallas Stars have a lot of hockey left to play and no. 3’s play could shift either way, there’s a good chance that he will continue getting better.
It’s been an incredible and near stellar season for John Klingberg. After starting as a wide-eyed, fifth-round pick and making his NHL debut in November 2014, Klingberg has quickly grown into one of the Stars’ most talented defensemen. In addition to that, he’s become one of the most talented defenders in the league.
In 2014-15, he was one of the biggest surprise stories across the league. In 2015-16, he took his game to another level and became an incredible asset for the Dallas defense. In 2016-17, he struggled coming to terms with being the new no. 1 defender for the Stars at the age of 24. But even then, he worked through the kinks and found a way to contribute to the Stars on a nightly basis as the season went on.
And now we have 2017-18. John Klingberg is reaching almost unbelievable heights and taking a young Dallas defense along with him. In addition to that, he’s also inserting his name into the Norris Trophy race.
In a nutshell, he’s done a lot for the Dallas Stars this year and has done more than a lot of other defensemen are doing for their respective teams.
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First off, his point totals are off the charts this year. Klingberg tallied three assists in Saturday’s game against Buffalo. Those three points helped bump him up to 46 on the year through 48 games played. It’s not entirely common for a defender to be two points away from a point-per-game average over halfway through the season. He also is tied for the team lead in points alongside captain Jamie Benn.
He holds an eight-point lead over the next closest defenseman, being Brent Burns. Klingberg is on pace to blow his career-high 58 points (set in 2015-16) out of the water this season and could hit 80.
With his mass of points, it’s pretty obvious that he’s a solid offensive defenseman. Klingberg has posted some incredible possession numbers this season. He can set up offensive rushes with a slick breakout pass and help sustain a rush by moving the puck around in the offensive zone. He sees the ice very well and uses his puck-moving skills to keep the Dallas Stars offense flowing.
But that’s not his only role in the Dallas lineup. Klingberg has shown a new commitment to his defensive game that we have yet to see throughout his career. He’s quick to break up opposing offensive rushes, doesn’t lose his composure when in the defensive zone, and gives up minimal chances alongside partner Esa Lindell.
He’s a strong asset on the power play and quarterbacks the Stars’ first unit. His one goal and 15 power play points gives him the most of any Dallas player. In addition to the power play, he is also trying his hand at the penalty kill and seeing solid results.
New head coach Ken Hitchcock is trusting the young defender in a lot of different situations, and it seems to be paying off in a large way. Klingberg owns a +14 rating on the season and is averaging 23:33 of ice time per game. Those numbers are impressive to find in a balanced Dallas defensive lineup. He plays smart and helps his team with each shift.
It just goes to show that John Klingberg is turning in a year for the history books with the Dallas Stars this season. Though some people are counting him out and looking instead at the defenders who are “regularly” in the race, Klingberg is making his case well known.
Next: What Stars Must Do To Finish January Undefeated
If he can keep this pace up, no. 3 could become the first Dallas Stars player to win the Norris Trophy. That’s not bad for a 25-year-old with less than 300 games of experience. But there is still plenty of hockey to be played, so keep your eyes peeled.