Red Wings' Moritz Seider Earns First Norris Trophy Votes

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman names Seider a top-5 candidate for the league's top defenseman award.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey defenseman in action, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant red, blue, and yellow colors.Moritz Seider's rise to Norris Trophy contention signals the Red Wings' progress in rebuilding their roster with elite young talent.Today in Detroit

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider is set to receive his first-ever Norris Trophy votes, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. Seider, who has never been voted for the award in his first four NHL seasons, is now being recognized as a top-5 candidate for the league's top defenseman honor.

Why it matters

The Norris Trophy is one of the NHL's most prestigious individual awards, recognizing the league's best all-around defenseman. Seider's inclusion among the top candidates signals his rapid development into an elite two-way blueliner and a cornerstone of the Red Wings' rebuild.

The details

Seider, 24, has emerged as a dominant force on the Red Wings' backend, using his size, skill, and hockey IQ to excel in all situations. His strong two-way play, ability to log heavy minutes, and impact on both ends of the ice have caught the attention of NHL insiders like Friedman, who now see him as a legitimate Norris Trophy contender.

  • Seider is in his fifth NHL season with the Red Wings.

The players

Moritz Seider

A 24-year-old defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings who is emerging as an elite two-way blueliner in the NHL.

Elliotte Friedman

A prominent NHL insider and analyst who has named Seider as a top-5 candidate for the Norris Trophy.

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What they’re saying

“32 Thoughts: The Podcast”

— Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider

What’s next

The winner of the 2026 Norris Trophy will be announced at the NHL Awards ceremony in June.

The takeaway

Moritz Seider's rise to Norris Trophy contention underscores the Red Wings' progress in rebuilding their roster with elite young talent, positioning the franchise for a return to playoff contention in the coming seasons.