As Sportsnet counts down its top 50 NHL players of 2019, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones finds himself slotted in at No. 41.
Seth Jones is the anchor on the blue line for the Blue Jackets, and not just because of his offensive prowess, but because he can shut down the best players on opposing teams. He's become a complete, game-breaking defenseman in Columbus since arriving in a blockbuster trade in January 2016.
Sportnet's Rory Boylen believes Jones will win a Norris Trophy sometime in the next few seasons, but the NHL already has him on its Norris Trophy shortlist for 2020.
And the 2020 Norris Trophy goes to __________ ? pic.twitter.com/AagXpKa2r8
— NHL (@NHL) August 30, 2019
If Jones has another solid year and finds a way to crack 60 points – Drew Doughty is the only player in the last 10 years to win the Norris with fewer than 61 points – then such an honor could be in Jones' future.
Norris or not, Jones is the most important player for the Blue Jackets this season as the defensive core will need to step up and support its two young goaltenders.
