Norris nominees announced

[newfcollins]

Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks.

Mark Giordano, Calgary Flames.

Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning.

[MZac]

Personally I think we can eliminate Hedman here. Gio and Burns were just statistically elite this season. Tough choice between them. A bit surprised John Carlson didn't get the nod.

[blayze]

How the hell did Hedman get nominated over Rielly?!?

And Burns is a horrible defenseman... what a joke

[saucelife90]

Burns & Giordano are the only 2 candidates IMO.

Burns' year was solid, and led all dmen in scoring.

Giordano's season was top notch. Career year at 35, 2nd in Dman scoring, and a whopping PLUS 39... His defensive play was just as impressive and If he doesn't win, it will be unfortunate.

[Shift Disturber]

I hope Gio takes it. Flames have never had a Norris winner...even the year MacInnis got 103 points he didn't win.

[niconasr]

Giordano has to be the front runner. Great season by him. Both Hedman and Burns had solid years but not as great as the Flames captain.

[ericdaoust]

Giordano's got this one

[butch]

nhl has an award for best defensive forward but no award for best defensive d-man .

time for an Orr award thats on same level as Art Ross so that the Norris can go to a more complete d-man

[4T2]

I'll admit I haven't seen a whole lot of Flames games this year, but from highlights through the season and statistically, I'd say Giordano deserves this. Hedman had a bit of a down year, I'm not really understanding his nomination over guys like Reilly or Carlson.

As far as the annual debate goes about offensive guys not deserving the award due to defensive liabilities. I would argue that if you can contribute 70+ points from the back end, that far offsets any defensive liabilities you may be saddling your team with. However, I've always liked the idea of having two trophies for D-men, one that is awarded for the top offensive D (love the Orr trophy idea) and one for the best all around d-man.

The problem with two awards would be this: does the offensive trophy just go to top D scorer (ie Burns this year)? If so, arguably you might still have to give Giordano the Norris still for having such a great all around season. Who else would deserve it this year who wasn't in the original Norris conversation? Maybe a McDonagh or Josi? Do they really deserve a trophy over Gio/Burns/Carlson this year?

[Pengwin7]

Gio, for sure.

[metaldude26]

This has to be Gio. I don't think I'd have had either Hedman or Burns on my ballot. Hedman wasn't even the best defenseman on his own team this season. McDonagh was REALLY good.

[hockeyrobot]

Giordano takes it and adds to the list of underwhelming award winners because none of the teams made it past the first round.

[Axeman33]

It will be tragic if Gio dont win this.

[DusterDave]

nhl has an award for best defensive forward but no award for best defensive d-man .

time for an Orr award thats on same level as Art Ross so that the Norris can go to a more complete d-man

Agree with this. Been saying it for the last few years.

[DusterDave]

Of the finalists it’ll likely be Giordano though.