In this Dec. 1, 2011, file photo, Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65), of Sweden, controls the puck during an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars, in Dallas. A dream season for Erik Karlsson ended in spectacular fashion _ with the Ottawa Senators defenceman holding the Norris Trophy. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP,Tony Gutierrez
June 20, 2012 - 7:12 PM
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - A dream season for Erik Karlsson ended in spectacular fashion — with the Ottawa Senators defenceman holding the Norris Trophy.
One day after signing a US$45.5-million, seven-year extension, the 22-year-old beat out Boston's Zdeno Chara and Nashville's Shea Weber for the award in voting by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.
Karlsson's breakout season included 78 points — 25 more than any other blue-liner and the second-best total by a defenceman since the lockout.
It was his first nomination for the award.
Karlsson's candidacy was a point of some debate in the hockey world, particularly since his offensive style was so different from the physical, defensively sound game played by Chara and Weber.
However, the Bruins captain believes the choice came down to a matter of individual taste.
"Everybody likes something (different)," said Chara. "You have three cars in front of you: you have the BMW, you have the Mercedes and you have the Porsche. A hundred people are going to like the Mercedes, a hundred people are going to like the BMW and the rest are going to like the Porsche.
"Every guy is a winner maybe in the different worlds of each different group of writers."
Karlsson is the youngest winner of the award since Denis Potvin won the first of his three Norris Trophies in 1976. He was also 22.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012