from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

Based on the amorphous definition of “all-around defenseman,” it’s possible that Ottawa’s Erik Karlsson will not win his second straight Norris Trophy this season. But so far, Karlsson is a slam dunk to take home the Hart Trophy as MVP and the Ted Lindsay Award as the NHLPA-voted Most Outstanding Player.

There is no one in Karlsson’s atmosphere in terms of being the best player in the league. As of Saturday, Patrick Kane (56 points), Jamie Benn (52), and Tyler Seguin (50) were the NHL’s top three scorers. Karlsson (41) is doing his best to crack the top three. In his last five games, Karlsson played 32:46 or more four times. He is the league’s most significant game-changer.

Defensively, he prevents chances from taking place by stealing the puck up the ice. When opponents enter his zone, he can bust up chances with his stick. Then he goes on the attack, where his talents are without equal.

There is no player more engaging to watch.

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