As is always the case when a new NHL season comes around, expectations are high among players, staff and supporters. Among New York Islanders fans, there’s an expectation that the team will qualify for a playoff spot for the third consecutive season in 2021. Since the arrival of Barry Trotz, the Isles have seen their fortunes transformed, as the Stanley Cup-winning coach has turned them back into a formidable foe. The revival has, in part, been led by Ryan Pulock, who is undoubtedly one of the best defensemen in the league, but can he secure the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2021?

Seeking to End the Islanders’ Drought

Since Trotz’s appointment, there’s been an ever-growing belief that the New York Islanders can restore their place as a Cup-winning team in the NHL. In the two years prior to his arrival, the Isles failed to finish in a playoff spot, but the 58-year-old ensured that didn’t become a recurring result. Under his leadership, there’s scope for the four-time Stanley Cup-winning team to right the wrongs of recent years and that could provide the foundations for Pulock to challenge for the Norris Trophy.

It has been 43 years since a player from the New York Islanders last won the award. Given to the best defensemen of the season, Denis Potvin lifted the trophy three times between 1975 and 1979. Throughout the last campaign, Pulock was undoubtedly one of the NHL’s breakthrough prospects, establishing himself as a leading defenseman.

In terms of his style, the 26-year-old epitomizes the role of a modern-day defenseman. According to Puck Purpose, in 2019-20, he scored ten goals and assisted 25. Moreover, he also recorded 139 blocks and 15 takeaways. Perhaps most crucially, however, is that his total of 35 points was the highest figure of any Isles defender since his 2018-19 campaign. Ultimately, this demonstrates that he is making significant steps forward year-on-year.

Can he Build on His 2019-20 Campaign?

After successful back-to-back seasons, Pulock must strive to better himself and become both more well-rounded and consistent. Following his Norris Trophy triumph in 2019-20, Roman Josi is now the benchmark for the chasing pack. Compared to Pulock, the award-winning defensemen scored six more goals and set up a further 24 during the last NHL campaign; moreover, his points tally also sat at 65.

Interestingly, in order to be in contention for the Norris Trophy, The Hockey Writers suggest that it’s vital that Pulock has a strong plus-minus, in addition to sustaining his impressive form in the closing stages of must-win matches. As of Jan. 13, the 26-year-old is 70/1 in NHL betting odds to be named the best defensemen in 2021. It will certainly be interesting to see whether Pulock will be victorious, and what bearing, if any, the prestige of this award will have on his consistency.

Seizing the Opportunity

At just 26 years of age, Pulock has time on his side. Irrespective of whether he wins the Norris Trophy during the upcoming season, he’ll likely have further opportunities to do so in the coming years. That said, should he continue to showcase the same year-on-year progression that Isles supporters have become accustomed to, then clinching the award in 2021 isn’t out of the question.

John Smark