Fansided

2018-19 NHL Awards nominees and predictions

By Bruin Belisle

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 25: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his goal against Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins during the third period at Amalie Arena on March 25, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 25: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his goal against Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins during the third period at Amalie Arena on March 25, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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CALGARY, AB – APRIL 19: Calgary Flames Defenceman Mark Giordano (5) looks on during the third period of Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs where the Calgary Flames hosted the Colorado Avalanche on April 19, 2019, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Norris Trophy

I stand with Drew Doughty when it comes to the selection process for this award. The Norris Trophy is rarely going to the best defensive defenseman anymore, as offensive stats are becoming the focus of the award. If they weren’t, then Brent Burns would not be continuously nominated.

Burns and fellow nominee Mark Giordano were first and second respectively  in defensemen scoring in 2018-19. The third nominee, Victor Hedman, finished in 11th.

This is not to say that these guys are terrible defenseman, but if you’re looking for a shut-down guy, Brent Burns probably wouldn’t be your first choice. Still, it seems that his point totals make him a staple nominee for the award.

Sports Betting Dime (and most hockey fans) have Giordano as the heavy favorite for this award. Girodano is currently listed as -1200 on betting sites (almost a certain win).

He’s solid defensively while also a huge contributor offensively and his Calgary Flames finished atop the Pacific Division in 2018-19. Girodano also had the best +/- in the NHL this season, at +39.

Victor Hedman was nominated because the committee couldn’t choose between better choices like John Carlson or Morgan Reilly. Hedman missed 12 games this season, which probably takes him out of the running against the other two candidates.

Prediction: This award in Mark Giordano’s to lose. The 35-year-old will nab his first long-awaited Norris Trophy on Wednesday.

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