The Ultimate Defenseman: Three Bets to Watch in the 2024-2025 Norris Trophy Race
The NHL’s Norris Trophy, awarded to the league’s best defenseman, is one I have cashed out on two seasons in a row. Last season I managed to grab offensive dynamo Quinn Hughes at +750 in November and the season before that I managed to sneak in a bet for Erik Karlsson after his red hot October at +7,000. Call me the defenseman whisper. Let’s explore three intriguing Norris Trophy NHL best bets for the upcoming 2024-2025 campaign.
Remember, these are just a few options. The Norris race is always usually awarded to the top scoring defenseman, so keep be stat watching early into the year to grab value.
Time to dig into the NHL best bets today! But first, find all the betting information and lines for today’s games on our NHL Picks page to give you an advantage when jumping into the NHL free bets!
Top Betting NHL Bets Rundown – Norris Trophy Awards
Roman Josi (+1,200): I cannot believe his odds haven’t changed since the Nashville Predators made giant moves this offseason. JUMP ON THIS NOW!
Cale Makar (+250): Makar is the best defenseman in the league, maybe the best in the past 20 years. He had a down year last year, so I expect a bounce back. This is the bet to put a unit on.
Evan Bouhcard (+800): The Norris trophy is usually given to the highest scoring defenseman, and Bouchard is up there and playing on a top offensive team with Connor McDavid. I love these odds for a sprinkle.
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NHL Norris Bet Prediction: Roman Josi (+1,200)
Josi has won the Norris before and is on a stacked Predators team
The Nashville Predators loaded up this offseason. They signed 25+ goal scorer Johnathan Marchessault and future Hall of Famer Steven Stamkos to bolster their offense. They weren’t done added superstars as they also signed Brady Skeji to make their blueline even tougher to play against. This means last season’s 10th best team for goals for per game should get a major boost, and that means top defenseman Roman Josi should rack up even more points. This all leads to him being a best bet for the Norris trophy.
- Perennial Contender: Josi is a Norris Trophy winner (2020) known for his offensive prowess and leadership qualities. He remained a top defenseman while Nashville’s re-tooled and should be leading an even stronger offense this season.
- Always a Threat: Josi consistently puts up points (85 points last season) and logs significant ice time. The Predators should be even better this season, so his Norris chances will increase as Josie has a better chance to repeat his 96 point Norris winning season.
- Value Factor: At 33 years old, Josi might not be the favorite, but it feels like the sportsbooks are emphasizing this too much. At +1,200 this is absolutely worth a sprinkle, especially with the upgrades the team made.
You can get Roman Josi for the Norris for +1,200 on BetOnline.
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More NHL Best Bets: Cale Makar (+250)
Cale Makar is the favorite to win the Norris with good reason.
The Colorado Avalanche did not have the season they were hoping for. They were knocked out to of the playoffs in Round Two and despite having the most goals for per game played in the entire league, they also allowed too many goals against (17th most). Top defenseman Cale Makar had a down year and was seemingly dealing with injuries off and on all season. It’s time for this Norris favorite to bounce back. This is the type of bet to put a full unit on, and then hedge with the other two options in this article.
- Elite Skillset: Makar is widely regarded as one of the most talented defensemen in the NHL. His skating, puck-handling, and offensive instincts are top-tier.
- Past Success: Makar already has a Norris Trophy (2021-2022) and has been a finalist in other seasons, demonstrating his consistent elite performance.
- Team Success: The Colorado Avalanche are a strong team, which enhances Makar’s visibility and his chances of putting up impressive numbers both offensively and defensively.
- Offensive Production: Makar’s ability to contribute significantly to his team’s offense, both at even strength and on the power play, boosts his Norris Trophy candidacy.
You can get Cale Makar for +250 on BetOnline.
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NHL Best Prediction: Evan Bouchard (+800)
Evan Bouchard is an assist machine and power play weapon.
The Edmonton Oilers are an offensive juggernaut and Evan Bouchard has been a big reason why they are so dominant on the power play. Of course having the best player in the world in Connor McDavid helps, but Bouchard had a phenomenal playoff run once again. Bouchard had 32 points in 25 games in this years playoffs, and 17 in 12 games the year before. Being over a point per game in the hardest tournament in sports indicates he could have a breakout season.
- Offensive Upside: Bouchard has shown significant offensive potential, especially with his heavy shot and ability to generate scoring chances from the blue line. He had a career best of 82 points in 81 games last year.
- Power Play Role: Playing on the Oilers’ power play alongside superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl gives Bouchard a great opportunity to rack up points.
- Increased Role: As Bouchard continues to mature and take on a larger role within the Oilers’ defensive corps, his overall game will get more recognition. This will be his 4th season and he has gotten better year over year.
- Team Context: The Oilers are a high-scoring team, and if they have a successful season, Bouchard’s contributions will likely be highlighted, enhancing his Norris Trophy candidacy.
You can get Evan Bouchard for +800 on BetOnline.
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