Norris Trophy – Roman Josi (2019-20)

Lore & Background

Roman Josi's Norris Trophy win in 2020 was a landmark moment for the Nashville Predators, a franchise that had long prided itself on defensive excellence but had never seen one of its own claim the league's top defenseman honor. Josi, a second-round pick in 2008, didn't just develop into an elite blueliner—he became a quiet storm, blending liquid-smooth skating with a sniper's instincts and a shutdown defender's grit. His 2019-20 campaign was a masterclass: he led all defensemen in scoring, quarterbacked the power play with surgical precision, and logged heavy minutes against top lines, often making them look like they were skating in sand. The award didn't just validate his status among the NHL's elite; it etched his name into the franchise's bedrock, proving that a Swiss-born, Nashville-bred defenseman could stand tallest among giants.

In Their Own Story

The ice at Bridgestone Arena hums with anticipation as Roman Josi glides into the zone, the puck on his stick like a magnet. It's a late-season game, and the crowd roars as he winds up for a slap shot—a snapshot of a season where every move seemed to find the net or set up a teammate. After the final horn, the Norris Trophy is his, and the arena erupts in a standing ovation for their captain, a quiet Swiss star who let his play do the talking. But the real story isn't just the trophy—it's the night he threaded a pass through three defenders to set up a game-winner, or the shift where he broke up a 2-on-1 with a stick lift so clean it deserved a bow. That season, Josi wasn't just a defenseman; he was a one-man highlight reel, and Nashville couldn't get enough.

Reader's Guide

Roman Josi won the Norris Trophy for the 2019-20 NHL season, a campaign shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic. He led all defensemen with 65 points (16 goals, 49 assists) in 69 games, becoming the first Predator to win the award. The achievement highlighted Nashville's tradition of strong defensemen—following in the footsteps of Shea Weber—and marked Josi's arrival as a franchise cornerstone. The Norris Trophy remains the highest individual honor ever earned by a Predators player, symbolizing the team's defensive identity and Josi's leadership.

Did You Know?

• Josi is the first Swiss-born defenseman to win the Norris Trophy.
• He was named the Predators' captain in 2017, succeeding Mike Fisher.
• Josi's 65 points in 2019-20 were the most by a Predators defenseman in a single season.
• He finished second in Norris voting in 2022-23, narrowly missing a second win.