The Norris Trophy

[Sarge]

As we all know, this trophy is awarded annually to the "defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position."

Lately, they seem to be awarding it to the defense player that scores the most points in a season.

Here is what I propose. They need to create a trophy that is awarded to the "defense player that demonstrates throughout the season the greatest offensive ability at the position."

Kind of a Selke Trophy in reverse. Call it the Borque Trophy or the Coffee Award (Coffee Cup-haha).

Award the Norris to the best damn defenseman that excells at DEFENSE. I am tired of guys like Erik Karlsson winning it because they get 65 assists in a season, while defensive defensemen aren't even really considered.

 

[MTC]

A lot of defensemen are kinda becoming offenisve guys too. Letang, Shultz and Daley for the Pens. Burns for the Sharks, Daughty for the Kings.


True defensemen do not stand out as much, unless fans truly understand. Well said though

 

[Stryker]

I remember when players like Kasperitis (sp) were feared, not from scoring, but from heavy hitting and shutting down the other team's top line. That is a defensive defenseman, and I agree that they should have an award.

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[MTC]

I remember when players like Kasperitis (sp) were feared, not from scoring, but from heavy hitting and shutting down the other team's top line. That is a defensive defenseman, and I agree that they should have an award.

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That dude was a beast. One of my fave Pens when I seriously got into hockey. But I do miss that feared D man.

 

[steel dino]

Speakin of defense..Is it just me...or does Matta remind you ole time Pens fans of Ron Stackhouse?

Guy frustrates the hell out of me like Stackhouse did!

 

[Spike]

Why is it nobody cares about those hockey trophies except Canadians?

 

[Stryker]

I care about the Vezna and the Hart. Conn Smythe is pretty cool as well. Lady Bing? Not so much...

I will say this about the last series. Jack Johnson is a great defensive defenseman.

 

[Confluence]

As we all know, this trophy is awarded annually to the "defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position."

Lately, they seem to be awarding it to the defense player that scores the most points in a season.

Here is what I propose. They need to create a trophy that is awarded to the "defense player that demonstrates throughout the season the greatest offensive ability at the position."

Kind of a Selke Trophy in reverse. Call it the Borque Trophy or the Coffee Award (Coffee Cup-haha).

Award the Norris to the best damn defenseman that excells at DEFENSE. I am tired of guys like Erik Karlsson winning it because they get 65 assists in a season, while defensive defensemen aren't even really considered.

When was the last time the Norris was awarded to a defensive defenceman?

Chara, Langway, Harvey, Lapierre??

Almost never in the modern era


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[Sarge]

Here is the argument for each Norris finalist from Yahoo sports.

Why Brent Burns Deserves The Norris

From the NHL:

Burns, 32, a Norris Trophy finalist for the second straight season, set San Jose records for defensemen and led all defensemen in goals (29) and points (76). He led the League with 320 shots on goal and ranked seventh in total ice time (2,038:44). Burns played in all 82 games for a third straight season and the Sharks took 223 more shots than they allowed with Burns on the ice at 5-on-5. He drove puck possession with a 53.55 SAT percentage in 5-on-5 situations.

Why Victor Hedman Deserves The Norris

From the NHL:

Hedman, 26, a first-time finalist, was first among defensemen and fourth overall with a career-high 56 assists in 79 games. He also set career highs in goals (16) and points (72), which ranked second among defensemen and were the most by a Lightning defenseman since Roman Hamrlik had 65 points during the 1995-96 season. Hedman finished second in the NHL with 33 power-play points, and led the NHL with 29 power-play assists. The Lightning controlled 53.39 percent of all shots when Hedman was on the ice.

Why Erik Karlsson Deserves The Norris

From the NHL:

Karlsson, 26, can win the trophy for the third time (2012, 2015). He played 77 games and ranked third among defensemen with 71 points (17 goals, 54 assists). The Senators captain was tied for eighth in the League and was tied for second among defensemen with 27 power-play points (four goals, 23 assists) and was sixth among defenseman with 218 shots on goal. He was fourth in the NHL in average ice time (26:50) and even-strength average ice time (21:00).

I rest my case. Brent Burns' "bio" is the only one that mentions anything remotely related to defense.

the Sharks took 223 more shots than they allowed with Burns on the ice at 5-on-5.

That is it. Everything else is about how many points they scored. It is retarded.