Red Wings' Moritz Seider furthers Norris trophy case by surpassing Nathan MacKinnon in unexpected stat
The Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider furthers his Norris Trophy case by surpassing forward Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche in this unexpected stat
While we don't hear much about voting for the Norris Trophy, which doesn't come until later in the season, one Detroit Red Wings player is making a case for it now.
That is defenseman Moritz Seider, who was a former 6th overall pick in 2019 by the Detroit Red Wings. He's played all 364 NHL games with the franchise and is the anchor of the blue line for the team.
Not only can he play competent two-way defense, but he's also been a contributor to the offense. So much so that his performance this season has put him above forward Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche in GAR (goals above replacement).
This season has been a successful one for the blueliner, who completed Red Wings history in November. He looks to continue lighting up the NHL as the year progresses.
The Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider is playing elite hockey in 2025-26
Keep in mind, this is one of the years where the Avalanche has been one of the best teams in the NHL.
Per WingingItinMotown, here's a good definition of GAR:
The idea here is to attempt to quantify a player's value to his team. I use the word «attempt» because it's something that can be improved over time with more information. The eye test is also an attempt at analysis. Using publicly available data (for public models), the model breaks down player performance into several categories.
By all means, Seider has had an elite season as the Red Wings' top defenseman alongside Simon Edvinsson. For the team, this is welcome news, as Seider reached an incredible career milestone on Thursday. The best players are producing.
In 36 games this season, he's scored 26 points (5-21) and has a plus +12 rating in the plus/minus category.
TheScore has an interesting quip on this subject, as Seider, as of 4 days ago, solidified himself in the running for a Norris Trophy candidate with 15 goals above replacement.
while Seider has emerged as a legitimate candidate. The latter is on pace for 57 points and leads all defenders with a 62.21% expected goals rate and 15 goals above replacement.
This is a season where we can legitimately refer to Seider as an elite blueliner in the NHL, and under Todd McLellan, could we see him win a Norris Trophy?
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 21 | 79 ANSWERS Red Wings' Moritz Seider furthers Norris trophy case by surpassing Nathan MacKinnon in unexpected stat Do you think defenseman Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings has furthered his case for a Norris Trophy by surpassing forward Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche with this unexpected stat? | ||
| Yes | 66 | 83.5 % |
| No | 13 | 16.5 % |
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