The Professional Hockey Writer's Association announced that Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski has won the James Norris Trophy. Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider, who, bizarrely, was snubbed from the top-three finalists, did earn himself a handful of first place votes among PHWA writers:
Moritz Seider finished 5th in Norris Trophy voting pic.twitter.com/f6lsgxLI4m
June 2, 2026Seider finished the regular season with career highs in goals, assists and points, totaling 10 goals and 50 assists for 60 points across 82 games. Seider played the third most minutes per game in the NHL behind Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes and Norris Trophy-winner Zach Werenski.
Despite Seider's focus on more defensive play, he wound up fifth in scoring among Atlantic Division defensemen behind Lane Hutson (78 points), Rasmus Dahlin (74 points), Darren Raddysh (70 points), and Charlie McAvoy (61 points).
Norris voting shows frustrating pattern
As of right now, the Norris Trophy appears to favor more offensive-minded defensemen. Cale Makar, despite an underwhelming season by his standards, still earned a top-three nomination. Part of this can be attributed to his pedigree as one of (if not the) best defensemen in the NHL. But, when one takes a look at the trophy's history of winners, it's clear the voters favor high-scoring defenders.
Seider was fifth in ranked choice Norris voting behind the three finalists and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. Bouchard, who finished the season with an impressive 95 points, earned seven more first place votes than Seider. On the surface, Bouchard's point totals are awe-inspiring. It's important to note, however, that just 15 of his career points came without Connor McDavid on the ice.
Yes, you read that correctly: 15 career points without Connor McDavid.
How can Seider expect to stand a chance when voters seem to favor scoresheets over defensive play?
How Seider can win a Norris in the future
Fortunately, the path to a Norris isn't completely blocked off for Seider. Nicklas Lidstrom, who won the Norris seven times, was nominated as a finalist three times in a row before earning his first trophy. If Seider can consistently show he's capable of playing at this level, a Norris is inevitable.
Additionally, as the Red Wings continue to improve, so will Seider (and his offensive numbers). The better the defensive core around him improves, the more he can play to his strengths. The stronger the offense, the easier it'll be for him to rack up point totals. All he has to do is keep playing his game the way he plays it and the voting will come.
That said, it's clear to Seider that there are more important things than individual awards. He, captain Dylan Larkin and the rest of the Red Wings will seek their first playoff berth in 10 seasons in 2026-27. Here's to hoping Seider can keep up this level of play.
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