Predators’ Roman Josi wins Norris Trophy as NHL’s top defenceman

Roman-Josi

Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning with centre Calle Jarnkrok (19) during the third period of in Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (Chris O'Meara / AP)

Long known for their elite roster of talent on the back end, the Nashville Predators can now say they boast a Norris Trophy winner on their blue line, as captain Roman Josi has been named the 2019-20 season’s top defenceman.

Josi dominated from the back end offensively this season, putting up 65 points through 69 games for Nashville, while logging 25:47 minutes of ice time.

Both marks ranked as team highs, with Josi topping the club’s next highest scorer – forward Filip Forsberg – by 17 points.

The Swiss defender, who becomes the first Swiss player to earn a Norris, finished second in offence from the blue line among all NHLers, behind fellow Norris nominee John Carlson, of the Washington Capitals, and third in average ice-time, behind Thomas Chabot and Drew Doughty. He beats out Carlson and Stanley Cup finalist Victor Hedman for the 2020 Norris Trophy, it is also the first time a member of the Predators has won the award.

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