In cases when the top-scoring defensemen weren't elite in their end, or didn't have a dominant lead in the scoring race, voters looked elsewhere. That situation could apply this season.
During the past 18 seasons, the Norris Trophy wasn't awarded to one of the two leading scorers four times: Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings (2002-03 and 2006-07), Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins (2008-09), and Doughty (2015-16). In each case, the winner was a great defensive player who played big minutes, took on top opponents in both zones, killed penalties, and scored at least 50 points.
This description may also apply to Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and to Roman Josi and P.K. Subban of the Nashville Predators this season, but no player brings every element together like Doughty does.
Doughty ranks seventh among NHL defensemen with 59 points (10 goals, 49 assists) in 80 games, his average of 20:55 at even strength ranks second behind Karlsson (21:57), and his average of 2:48 killing penalties ranks No. 23. His offensive-zone start percentage of 48.61 percent is second-lowest among Kings defensemen.
Despite the tough minutes, Doughty is known for his solid shot-based metrics. He ranks No. 12 among defensemen with a Relative SAT of plus-4.62 percent (minimum 50 games).