Part of the issue I have with the Norris and Karlsson in particular is just like our Blues fan here. People have a pre-conception of what he is, think they clearly have him pegged and stick to it with head firmly planted in sand. Manhandled in his own zone? He's only great offensively? This is part of the reason why beat writers shouldn't vote on awards either. If you don't follow all the teams, how can you make an arguement for and against specific players? Guys like Chara and Weber are easy. People have seen them just based on the longevity of their careers so when some fool like Cox writes a clearly biased article about Karlsson, people take it to heart.

Weber

Part of the issue I have with the Norris and Karlsson in particular is just like our Blues fan here. People have a pre-conception of what he is, think they clearly have him pegged and stick to it with head firmly planted in sand. Manhandled in his own zone? He's only great offensively? This is part of the reason why beat writers shouldn't vote on awards either. If you don't follow all the teams, how can you make an arguement for and against specific players? Guys like Chara and Weber are easy. People have seen them just based on the longevity of their careers so when some fool like Cox writes a clearly biased article about Karlsson, people take it to heart.
- Lohaus

That was based on what I've seen. I have watched a bit of the Sens, esp after Bishop was traded. This debate kind of relights the debate for me of the Norris trophy itself. If forwards have the Selke for best defensive fwd & there's obviously the Art Ross & Richard trophies, why do d'men only get one trophy?

That was based on what I've seen. I have watched a bit of the Sens, esp after Bishop was traded. This debate kind of relights the debate for me of the Norris trophy itself. If forwards have the Selke for best defensive fwd & there's obviously the Art Ross & Richard trophies, why do d'men only get one trophy?
- All Blues

No argument there. There should be a second defensman trophy, preferably for offensive output from the blueline.

not even close. weber all the way.

he is the BEST all around defenseman in the game. a true impact player.

Chara doesnt deserve the top 3 this year. He wasnt even the Bruins best defenseman this year. Seidenberg was all around better

The Norris Trophy is supposed to be the best defencman not the best offensive defenceman. Unfortunately over the years this is what has happened. People forget guys like Rod Langway have won this award and it was because he was an amazing defender, not because he scored points. Lidstrom last year won the award with next to zero penalty killing, few blocked shots, and very little physical play. Even the system they play sends the winger into the corner so Lidstrom's speed isn't exposed on the outside. Not saying he didn't deserve to win a few times but this offence-is-all- that-matters-approach is getting way out of control.

Even Chara wasn't that amazing until he got Thomas behind him. Remember Muckler traded him out of Ottawa and they made the finals the next year. Redden's mother's death ruined him but he was the better guy at the time, and that shows some evidence of that.

The writers are rediculous today and part of that was Gary's change he made in early 2000's where the voters didn't have to have a representative from every team voting. Now 80% of them are in TO and NY, that's why western guys almost never get picked even though there have been better all-round d-men in that conference for a long time. I know, Lidstrom's out west, but not really. I grew up in TO and the eastern time zone Wings are very popular on the streets and in the media.

The way they set up this 3 nominee crap is bogus too. If you look up how they vote, they can vote for anyone they want, I've checked. They also like to make it difficult to get info on the voters as many are listed but not all. After they vote, the NHL takes the top 3 and then spins a line about the 3 nominees., which is a crock of crap as they have already voted on whoever they wanted. Even the awards voted on by the GM's are done by them voting for whoever then the top 3 come out to create a buzz over the award - it's all marketing. And being that it's all marketing, and being that the voters are watching primarily eastern teams, exeptional seasons like the one Pronger had in Edmonton get overlooked for the sexy choice often found out east.

Having said that, I think guys are finally realizing this as it seems they are leaning to Weber, or maybe it's because these TO boys just don't want a senator, because God knows Lidstrom survived on high power play and offensive number for the last few years, and they voted for him rather than the real best defeceman over the last decade - Chris Pronger.

This drives me insane. It should NOT be karlsson. The kid has all the talent in the world but until he learns to play defense then he really shouldnt win the trophy for best defenseman. If I'm not mistake it takes into account for both a players offense and their defense. Weber and chara do it all. Karlsson will compete down the road a little