Posted on 06/21/2017 9:46:42 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Brent Burns was presented with the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league's most outstanding defenseman at the NHL Awards show in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
He is the first-ever player in Sharks franchise history to win the award.
After finishing first among defensemen in the regular season with 29 goals and 76 points, and leading the league with 320 shots, Burns was thought to be the frontrunner ahead of fellow finalists Erik Karlsson from Ottawa and Tampa Bay's Viktor Hedman. Karlsson, a two-time winner, was second.
Burns, 32, became just the second NHL defenseman to lead his team in goals (29, tied with Joe Pavelski), assists (47) and points, joining Kevin Hatcher (1990-91, Washington Capitals). Burns' 29 goals were the most by an NHL defenseman since Mike Green had 31 for Washington in 2008-09. He played in all 82 games, posting a plus-19 rating with 40 penalty minutes.
Also named as the Sharks team MVP as chosen by the local media, as well as the Fan Favorite award this season, Burns signed an eight-year, $64 million contract extension with the Sharks on Nov. 22, 2016 that kicks in next season. The deal keeps him with the organization potentially through 2024-25.
Last season Burns finished third for the Norris behind winner Drew Doughty of Los Angeles and Karlsson.
Burns was also a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award as the league's most outstanding player as chosen by the NHLPA, but that was won by Edmonton's Connor McDavid.
A Shark Burn sounds panful.
Did he clean his beard for the occasion ?
Award for top defenseman, but only his offensive skills cited, and “he led the league in shots”....
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