Hedman consistently ranked among League's top defensemen

It's getting to the point where you can pretty much pencil in Victor Hedman's name among the Norris Trophy finalists before a new National Hockey League season even begins.

Hedman was announced Monday as a Norris finalist for the fourth-consecutive season, joining John Carlson of the Washington Capitals and Nashville's Roman Josi as the three finalists for 2019-20. Hedman is the only defenseman amongst the trio to have previously won the award.

Hedman was the first and only Lightning player to capture the Norris Trophy following the 2017-18 season and is the first defenseman since fellow Swede Nicklas Lidstrom (2005-06 to 2008-09 with Detroit) to be a finalist four seasons in a row.

Hedman finished third In Norris Trophy voting in 2018-19 and 2016-17.

"It's always a big honor to get nominated for an individual prize," Hedman said during a video conference call Monday with the three finalists. "Definitely nothing you take for granted. I think all of us can agree you go into every season not looking for these kind of acknowledgments, but you go out there and try and do what's best for your team. You try to play at your highest level for 82 games. To get the recognition at the end of the year, it's a big privilege."

Hedman ranked third among NHL defensemen for scoring after recording 11 goals, 44 assists and 55 points in 66 games. He recorded his fourth-consecutive season of 10-plus goals, 40-plus assists and 50 or more points, despite playing just 66 games during the shortened regular season.

Hedman competed in his 700th career NHL game, all with the Lightning, October 10 and scored his 100th goal later in the season on December 5.

The 29 year old said the key to his consistency has been the summer workouts he conducts in his hometown of Ornskoldsvik, Sweden during the offseason.

"I've gone a different route I think the last seven years, and the coaching staff I have back home has helped me tremendously," Hedman said. "Being a bigger guy, I work a lot with my coordination, my footwork and trying to keep up with the smaller, faster guys. That's been huge for me. I play on what I think is the best team in the world, and that's helped me a lot throughout the years. We wouldn't be here without our teammates, and being on a successful team has helped me a lot. I think the offseason is huge for us players, not just for the rest from the ice but to get prepared for the next season, try and get better and try to improve as a player. I think those summer workouts have a lot to do with that. Super happy with the way the coaches back home have helped me along the way."

Hedman was selected for the NHL All-Star Game for the third time in his career in 2019-20. He was also picked in 2016-17 and 2017-18, but did not play in the 2018 All-Star Game in Tampa because of an injury.

"I think he's the most complete defenseman in the NHL," Josi said of Hedman on the call. "He's one of those guys who can win this award every year. Love watching him play. Love watching and learning from him when we play against him."

The Norris Trophy is awarded to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position. The winner will be revealed during the Conference Finals, with the exact date, format and time to be determined.