Wednesday night, San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns won the James Norris Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the defender who demonstrated “the greatest all-around ability in the position.” But I want to point out to you who tied for 21st in voting: Dmitry Orlov.
Orlov was one of only 23 defensemen who garnered votes.
The 25-year-old Russian had the best season of his career, finishing on the team’s top pairing with Matt Niskanen. Orlov had a career high in points (33) and dominated in possession, registering a 54.32 shot attempts percentage at even-strength.
Kevin Shattenkirk was the only other Capitals defensemen who received votes, finishing 14th in total voting. Shattenkirk, who the Caps acquired at the trade deadline for prospect Zach Sanford, garnered a fourth and six fifth place votes from the Pro Hockey Writers Association as well.
More from the NHL:
Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks has won the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the defenseman demonstrating “the greatest all-around ability in the position,” as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Burns was the only player receiving votes on all 167 ballots and attracted 96 first-place votes for 1,437 voting points, enough to edge two-time Norris Trophy recipient Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators (1,292 points), who finished second in the voting for the second consecutive year. Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning was third (728) in his first year as a finalist.
Burns set franchise records for goals and points by a defenseman for the second consecutive season, posting 29-47–76 to top all NHL blueliners in scoring. He became the first defenseman to record back-to-back 75-point seasons since Brian Leetch achieved the feat with the New York Rangers in 1995-96 and 1996-97. Burns’ 29 goals were 12 more than any other League defenseman and his 21 even-strength tallies were the most by an NHL defender since the Sharks’ Sandis Ozolinsh had 22 in 1993-94. His 320 shots on goal – the most among all skaters – was 33% more than the No. 2-ranked blueliner (Winnipeg’s Dustin Byfuglien, 241).
2016-2017 Norris Trophy VotingNorris Trophy Winners Since 1990
Year Winner Runner-up
2017 Brent Burns, S.J. Erik Karlsson, Ott.
2016 Drew Doughty, L.A. Erik Karlsson, Ott.
2015 Erik Karlsson, Ott. Drew Doughty, L.A.
2014 Duncan Keith, Chi. Zdeno Chara, Bos.
2013 P.K. Subban, Mtl. Ryan Suter, Min.
2012 Erik Karlsson, Ott. Shea Weber, Nsh.
2011 Nicklas Lidstrom, Det. Shea Weber, Nsh.
2010 Duncan Keith, Chi. Mike Green, Wsh.
2009 Zdeno Chara, Bos. Mike Green, Wsh.
2008 Nicklas Lidstrom, Det. Dion Phaneuf, Cgy.
2007 Nicklas Lidstrom, Det. Scott Niedermayer, Ana.
2006 Nicklas Lidstrom, Det. Scott Niedermayer, Ana.
2004 S. Niedermayer, N.J. Zdeno Chara, Ott.
2003 Nicklas Lidstrom, Det. Al MacInnis, St.L
2002 Nicklas Lidstrom, Det. Chris Chelios, Det.
2001 Nicklas Lidstrom, Det. Ray Bourque, Col.
2000 Chris Pronger, St.L Nicklas Lidstrom, Det.
1999 Al MacInnis, St.L Nicklas Lidstrom, Det.
1998 Rob Blake, L.A Nicklas Lidstrom, Det.
1997 Brian Leetch, NYR Vlad. Konstantinov, Det.
1996 Chris Chelios, Chi. Ray Bourque, Bos.
1995 Paul Coffey, Det. Chris Chelios, Chi.
1994 Ray Bourque, Bos. Scott Stevens, N.J.
1993 Chris Chelios, Chi. Ray Bourque, Bos.
1992 Brian Leetch, NYR Ray Bourque, Bos.
1991 Ray Bourque, Bos. Al MacInnis, Cgy.
1990 Ray Bourque, Bos. Al MacInnis, Cgy.
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