Name: Jeff Norton
Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
Height: 6-2
Weight: 200
Drafted: 3rd Round (62nd overall) in 1984 by the Islanders
Number: 5
Salary: $1.9 million
Scouting Report:
The Finesse Game
An offensive defenseman, Norton has deep edges and seems to make his turns and cuts with
his body set at a 45-degree angle to the ice. His skating ability allows him to cover up
for some of his more erratic defensive play. He gets too excited about joining the attack
and forgets gap control or makes ill-timed pinches. Many times, he is able to gallop back
into position but he still makes a risky defensive proposition. His knee injury may affect
his skating, which is his chief asset. His hockey sense is good, especially offensively,
but Norton has never been able to combine his skating with the kind of scoring impact he
should. He doesn't have a great shot. He will generate a play with his skating and
puckhandling and get the puck into the attacking zone, but he never seems to have the
finishing touch.
The Physical Game
Norton is not strong in his own end of the ice. On many nights, he will drift up as if he
is ready to leave the zone prematurely and leave his teammates scrambling behind. His
mental toughness is a question mark, and his focus and concentration waver.
The Intangibles
Norton never recovered from a terrible start in Edmonton. Even though he was happy with
the trade, he only scored five assists in 13 games with the Lightning.
Projection
A fresh start could make a difference, with Norton capable of reaching the 40- to 50-point
range.
SOURCE: HOCKEY SCOUTING REPORT