The NHL held their annual awards in Las Vegas and it was a second consecutive milestone day for Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson.
Roughly 24 hours after signing a contract that will keep him in Senator colours for the next seven seasons, Erik Karlsson was named the Norris Trophy winner, which is given out annually to the league's best defenceman. That's right- Erik Karlsson is the best defenceman in the National Hockey League.
In a category that placed him up against some stiff competition in the form of Zdeno Chara and Shea Weber, the Professional Hockey Writer's Association did the right thing and went with the 22 year old Swede. Karlsson ended up with 66 first place votes, 17 more than Shea Weber who finished as the runner up.
Incredible to note that five guys had Karlsson as fifth on their ballot. Fifth?!
By winning a major NHL award, Erik Karlsson becomes the first Ottawa Senator to win a major NHL Award since Daniel Alfredsson took home the award for rookie of the year in 95-96. Speaking of Alfie, he came up short in the Bill Masterton Race, which rightly went to Max Pacioretty.
The Captain didn't go home empty handed though as he was awarded the King Clancy Award for leadership and contribution to the community.
Mentioned this on Twitter but as amazing a hockey player as Daniel Alfredsson is, he's a better person. Alfredsson is a pillar in this community so it's great to see him get recognized by the league.
Paul MacLean was given a well earned nomination for Coach of the Year but in the end the award went to Ken Hitchcock. Hard to argue when you consider what he was able to do in St. Louis this season.
Next up- the NHL Draft on Friday night where rumours still swirl around the potnetially active Bryan Murray. Check in tomorrow for the latest.
