Brent Burns, Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson Finalists for 2017 Norris Trophy

The 2017 Norris Trophy Finalists were announced by the National Hockey League on Friday and the top three defenders were determined to be; Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks, Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators. 

Burns getting a second straight nomination set a Sharks record as well as led all defensemen in goals with 29 and points with 76. His 320 shots on goal led the league as he was seventh in time on ice with 2,038:44. 

He appeared in all 82 games for the Sharks for a third consecutive season. When Burns was on the ice, in a five-on-five situation, San Jose put up 223 more shots than they allowed during the 2016-2017 season. He was able to help the Sharks maintain puck possession, with a 53.55 shot attempt percentage, when both teams were at full strength. 

Hedman is a first-time finalist for the Norris Trophy. He was first amongst defensemen and fourth overall with a career high, 56 assists over 79 games during the past season. 

He also put up career numbers with 16 goals and 72 points ranking him second overall among defensemen. The totals were also the most by a Lightning defender, since Roman Hamrlik put up 65 points during the 1995-1996 NHL season. 

He finished second in the NHL, with 33 power play points and first with 29 power play assists. The Bolts were able to control about 53.39 percent of all shots when Hedman was on the ice.

Karlsson has the chance to capture the award for the third time in his career (2012 & 2015). He finished third among defensemen with 71 points (17 goals & 54 assists) over 77 games in 2016-2017.

The Senators captain was tied for eighth in the NHL and second among defensemen, with his 27 power play points (4 goals & 23 assists). His 218 shots put him sixth overall amongst defenders as he was fourth in time on ice, with an average of 26:50 and 21:00 at even-strength. 

One of these three top defenders will take home the hardware on June 21. The 2017 NHL Awards Show and Expansion Draft will be held at the new home of the Vegas Golden Knights, as they show off the T-Mobile Arena. NBCSN will televise the show throughout the United States and Sportsnet will broadcast it in Canada.