Since entering the NHL in 1987-88, Jeff Norton has been a top-flight playmaking defenceman. His crisp passes and ability to play the point on the power play made him a useful component of a number of teams over the years.
The Acton, Massachusetts native starred for Cardinal Cushing Academy in 1983-84 then was drafted 62nd overall by the New York Islanders. He played three years at the University of Michigan where he was a second team CCHA all-star in 1987. The talented rearguard spent the 1987-88 seasons with the U.S. national squad and took part in six matches at the Calgary Olympics. Following the Games, he joined the Islanders for the last part of the season and was impressive.
In 1988-89, Norton scored 31 points as a rookie but the Islanders struggled. The young blueliner played for the sixth place U.S. team at the World Championships. Norton contributed to the Islanders' revitalization the next year and scored 53 points. New York's power play was vaunted that season with Norton and Doug Crossman working the points and Pat Lafontaine hovering around the net. After they were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs, he joined the American squad at the World Championships.
Norton played three more years in New York with the 1992-93 season representing the peak. That year he scored a personal-best 12 goals and helped New York upset the Pittsburgh Penguins and reach the semi-finals. A few weeks later he was traded to the San Jose Sharks and was a key component of that club becoming competitive in its third season. Norton scored 40 points and helped the Sharks upset Detroit and take Toronto to seven games in the post-season. He was a key force on the club's power play unit with fellow defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh.
Norton joined the St. Louis Blues in 1994-95 and later suited up for the speedy Edmonton Oilers and the weak Tampa Bay Lightning. During this period he was not as dominant on the power play but was still useful to each team's transition game. He joined the Florida Panthers in 1997-98 but the team was in decline and opted to go with younger players on the blueline. Norton was re-acquired by the Sharks and was a fine addition with 22 points in 69 games in 1998-99. He was a solid mobile defender on the improved Sharks in 1999-2000 then started the next year in Pittsburgh. Norton joined San Jose for the third time in 2000-01 as the club became one of the most feared in the NHL.
