The hockey media has started taking notice of Zdeno Chara as a potential Norris candidate. And for good reason too. After a shaky start to the season, Chara has made some of the brightest NHL stars like Joe Thornton, Ilya Kovalchuk and Jarome Iginla invisible when they match up against him. When Chara has been on the ice against these players, they've been lucky to get a shot on net. He's been an absolute monster to play against in his own zone.

His play has made the hockey writers across North America notice. Bruce Garrioch revealed on Ottawa radio recently that Chara for the Norris was discussed when the professional (ha!) hockey writers of North America met during the All Star weekend to make sure all their stories match discuss who should be considered for awards. He's only been more impressive since then.

The best plus/minus in the league, an absolute force in his own end, tied for third in goals for defencemen, fourth in penalty minutes among defencemen. He's a pretty good shot.