Hedman of Lightning wins Norris Trophy as best defenseman in NHL

Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Norris Trophy as best defenseman in the NHL at the 2018 NHL Awards Presented by Hulu at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old had NHL career highs in goals (17), tied with Ivan Provorov (Philadelphia Flyers) and Dougie Hamilton (Calgary Flames) for first among defensemen, and plus-minus (plus-32), finishing second behind Josh Manson (plus-34) of the Anaheim Ducks. Hedman set personal bests in total time on ice (1,990:30) and ice time per game (25:51), and his 63 points, which ranked fifth among defensemen, made him the first defenseman in Lightning history to score more than 60 points in multiple seasons (he had 72 points last season).

Hedman is the third player from Sweden to win the Norris Trophy, joining Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (2012, 2015) and Nicklas Lidstrom, who won the award with the Detroit Red Wings seven times (2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011).

RELATED: NHL Awards results

"Every defenseman wants to get as good as you can and to get the recognition, and it's an unbelievable feeling," Hedman said. "Being only the third Swede is pretty special, so I'm so happy that I got to enjoy this with my family."

It's the first Norris Trophy for Hedman, who finished third in voting last season, and the first by a Lightning defenseman.

Hedman finished fifth in power-play points at his position (26) and became the Lightning's leading goal-scorer among defenseman with his 73rd on Feb. 8 against the Vancouver Canucks. He also ranks first in Lightning history in points (364) and assists (282) among defensemen.

The other finalists were Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings and P.K. Subban of the Nashville Predators. Doughty, 28, had an NHL career high 60 points (10 goals, 50 assists) and led the League in total time on ice (2,200:31) and average ice time (26:50). Subban, 29, scored an NHL career high 16 goals.

"I still haven't really processed it in my head," Hedman said. "One thing, I was very nervous, I'm not going to lie, on the stage. … But [it's an] unbelievable feeling and I was very proud being the third Swede and the first Lightning to win this award. It's very special."

Pts. (1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th)

1. Victor Hedman, TBL 1385 (94-57-6-5-1)
2. Drew Doughty, LAK 1164 (52-68-28-8-4)
3. P.K. Subban, NSH 565 (11-14-50-30-17)
4. Seth Jones, CBJ 406 (2-9-38-33-34)
5. John Carlson, WSH 311 (3-6-19-38-30)
6. John Klingberg, DAL 160 (1-7-4-18-27)
7. Roman Josi, NSH 86 (0-0-6-12-20)
8. Brent Burns, SJS 48 (1-1-3-3-7)
9. Alex Pietrangelo, STL 35 (0-0-3-4-8)
10. Shayne Gostisbehere, PHI 31 (0-0-4-2-5)