Advertisement

Lightning’s Hedman a Norris finalist again

Hedman looking to become first Lightning to be named the NHL's top defenseman
 
Published April 19, 2018

The Lightning's Victor Hedman is a finalist for the second consecutive year for the Norris Trophy, given to the top defenseman in the league. The other two finalists are Drew Doughty of the Kings and P.K. Subban of the Predators, it was announced Thursday.

Hedman, who placed third last season in the voting, was tied for first this year among defensemen for goals with a career high 17. His 63 points were fifth for defensemen.

The winner, voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association,  will be announced June 20 at the NHL's awards show in Las Vegas.

The Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy is a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, given to the top goalie.

Here is a rundown of the Norris Trophy finalists, provided by the NHL:

Victor Hedman, Lightning

Hedman shared first place among NHL defensemen with a career-high 17 goals, tied for the second most in one season by a Lightning defenseman  (Dan Boyle: 20 in 2006-07). He ranked fifth among defensemen with 63 points, becoming the first defenseman in team history to top 60 points in multiple campaigns (16‑56—72 in 2016-17). Hedman established a career high with a plus-32 rating, ranking sixth in the league and second among defensemen, and also set personal bests in time on ice per game (25:51) and total time on ice (1,990:30), placing fifth and ninth overall, respectively. The 27-year-old Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, native is vying to become the first player in Tampa Bay history to win the award.

Drew Doughty, Kings

Doughty paced the NHL in total time on ice (2,200:31) and average time on ice (26:50) while anchoring a defense that allowed a league-low 203 goals. He also set a career high and ranked seventh among NHL defensemen with 10-50—60, becoming the first Kings defenseman to collect 60 points since 2005-06 (Lubomir Visnovsky: 17-50—67). Doughty, who appeared in all 82 games for the fourth straight season, reached a trio of career milestones, picking up his 100th goal Jan. 30, and 300th assist and 400th point Feb. 7 (102-320—422 in 770 games). Only one defenseman has registered more goals, assists or points for Los Angeles: Rob Blake (161‑333—494 in 805 games). The 28-year-old London, Ontario, native is a Norris Trophy finalist for the fourth time after winning the award in 2015-16, finishing second in 2014-15 and third in 2009-10.

P.K. Subban, Predators

Subban powered a Predators defense that led the NHL in goals (56) and points (206). He set a career high and shared fourth place among defensemen with 16 goals. Subban also ranked eighth among defensemen with 59 points, one shy of his personal best, established in 2014-15 (15-45—60 with Montreal). The 28-year-old Toronto, Ontario, native – who collected 11-19—30 in 31 outings from Dec. 13–Feb. 22 – played in all 82 games for the third time in his career (also 2013-14 and 2014-15), placing 11th in the league in total time on ice (1,977:24) while being plus-18. Subban is seeking his second career Norris Trophy following his win in 2012-13 (with Montreal). A finalist for the third time, he also is aiming to become the first player in Nashville history to capture the award.