Erik Karlsson, Brent Burns, Drew Doughty Named Norris Trophy Finalists

The NHL announced the finalists for the Norris Trophy, which is given to the defenseman that demonstrates the greatest all-around ability throughout the season.

The three finalists are Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators, Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks and Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings. Karlsson and Doughty have each been finalists before, while this is the first time for Burns. The winner of the Award will be announced during the 2016 NHL Awards Show on June 22 in Las Vegas.

In 82 games played this year, Karlsson had 16 goals, 66 assists, 82 points, three game-winning goals, 175 blocks and averaged 28:58 of ice time per game. He led the league in assists (66) and was ranked first among defensemen in points (82). The 66 assists and 82 points were also a career high. Karlsson was the first defenseman to score 82 points since Brian Leetch (85) of the New York Rangers and Ray Bourque (82) of the Boston Bruins did it during the 1995-96 season. The defenseman played all 82 games for the third consecutive season while leading the NHL in ice time (2,375:55) and average ice time (28:58). This is the third time that he has been named a finalist for the award and he previously won the award for his performance during the 2011-12 and 2014-15 seasons.

In 82 games played, Burns had 27 goals, 48 assists, 75 points, had 353 shots and averaged 25:52 of ice time per game. He set career highs in goals, assists, points, shots and ice time per game. The forward-turned-defenseman also set San Jose records for defensemen in goals (27), assists (48), points (75) and shots (353). This is the second straight season that he has played in all 82 games and his 25:52 of ice time per game led the Sharks. This is the first time that Burns has been named a finalist for the award.

Doughty is the most defensive defenseman of the group, but he joins the rush just as well as the other two. He helped the Kings to the third best defense in the League. In 82 games played, he had 14 goals, 37 assists, 51 points and averaged a career best 28:01 of ice time per game. The plus 24 was also an NHL career high. Doughty ranked third in the League in time on ice (28:01). His 14 goals and 51 points were the most since the 2009-10 season when he had 16 goals and 59 points.