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2016 NHL Award Predictions

By Jeff Henning

Jan 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin (72) with the puck during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin (72) with the puck during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Erik Karlsson

Dec 14, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23) and Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) battle for the puck in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23) and Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) battle for the puck in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

Twenty years down the road, the league may be forced to change the name of the Norris Trophy to the Karlsson Trophy. If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch Erik Karlsson play this year, he’s the best defenseman in the league, and truthfully its not even close.

Karlsson leads all defensemen in a number of categories.

Most impressivly, he leads all D in points (45) and TOI (28:36). To put into words how valuable Karlsson is to his team is almost impossible.

He is the exemplary captain.

The Senators rely on him to be a catalyst for their offensive success and also depend on him to shutdown the opponents top lines.

Barring injury, Karlsson is on his way to taking home yet another Norris Trophy this summer in Las Vegas.

Contenders: Drew Doughty, John Klingberg

Next: Vezina Trophy

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