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NHL Announces Norris Trophy Finalists

Norris Trophy

The NHL also announced the three finalists for the Norris Trophy given to the best defenceman in the league. The finalists are John Carlson of the Washington Capitals, Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators, and Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Norris Trophy Finalists Announced

John Carlson

Carlson had an amazing season for the Capitals leading the NHL in points for a defenceman with a career-high 75. In addition to his career-high in points, Carlson also had a career-high in assists with 60 as he scored 15 goals in 69 games. Carlson averaged 1.09 points per game. He was the first defenceman to do so since Hockey Hall of Famers Ray Bourque, Sergei Zubov and Al MacInnis did so. While averaging 24:38 of ice time, Carlson led defenceman with six game-winning goals and was second in power-play points with 26.

Roman Josi

Josi like Carlson had a stellar season setting career highs in points (65), goals (16), and assists (49). He was second amongst defenceman in each category trailing only John Carlson. Everyone got caught up in the Carlson train, they forgot about what Josi was doing with the Nashville Predators until later on in the season. This is the first time Josi is being nominated for the Norris Trophy. During 69 games this season, Josi averaged 25:47 of ice time while recording 23 power-play points.

Victor Hedman

The third finalist for the Norris Trophy is Victor Hedman. Hedman finished with 55 points (11 goals and 44 assists) in 66 games this season averaging 24:04 of ice time. He was third in scoring amongst defencemen behind Carlson and Josi. This is his third straight year being a finalist for the Norris Trophy after winning the award during the 2017-18 season.

Last year’s winner Mark Giordano of the Calgary Flames was not a finalist this season. The winner will be announced during the conference finals.

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Jim Biringer

Jim Biringer

Jim is a 2008 graduate of Saint Michaels College who is currently writing about the NHL for Last Word on Hockey. His work includes writing about the New Jersey Devils as well as NHL Notebooks for the Metro and Central Division. Jim has a passion for the game of hockey. As one coach put it "he is the student of the game." When Jim is not writing he can be found at the local rinks playing or being a referee. Throughout his time in the game, Jim continues to coach a local high school team. In addition, he broadcasted several New Jersey Junior Rockets games for the Eastern Hockey League. Reach him on Twitter: @JimBiringer

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