USA TODAY Sports

Erik Karlsson isn’t just the favorite to win the Norris Trophy, he has made the San Jose Sharks the team to beat in the Western Conference.

The Sharks’ offseason acquisition has been picked to win the award given to the top defenseman by three of four USA TODAY Sports NHL panelists. Three of four also selected the Sharks as the Western Conference champions.

But that doesn’t mean that the Sharks will win it all. In fact, two panelists picked the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the Stanley Cup. One picked the Sharks and one chose the Winnipeg Jets.

The most interesting race could come down to the Vezina Trophy, which is awarded to the top goalie. Four different goalies were picked.

The season begins Oct. 3.