San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns is quietly having an incredible year and his head coach Peter DeBoer told the media he wonders why the 31-year-old’s name hasn’t been discussed more for the Norris Trophy.
“I can’t understand why he’s not in those conversations more for (the Norris Trophy),” DeBoer told Curtis Pashelka of the Mercury News. “He’s a version of (Nashville’s Shea) Weber and Doughty.
“He plays well in both ends for us, plays against other team’s best lines. They’re big guys a lot of nights, and he brings a physical element too, which some of those guys don’t. For me, he should be in that conversation all day long, and I don’t understand why I don’t hear his name more.”
DeBoer is correct in saying Burns has been an elite, number one defenseman.
Burns’ offensive production has been superb. He’s firing the puck on net at will, leading all defenseman with 27 goals and 344 shots (over 100 more than second place Erik Karlsson). Burns is second among NHL D with an impressive 74 points and leads Sharks defenseman with a 53.2 Corsi for while logging over 25 minutes a game of ice time. It’s insane, but Burns’ production nearly mirrors Karlsson’s point-per-game output. He’s been a huge weapon for San Jose.
DeBoer isn’t making an outlandish claim, but more stating the obvious. Burns might not be as sexy of a pick as Karlsson or Doughty, but you can’t deny he’s been an elite defenseman for San Jose and worthy of a Norris nom. Will he get it? It’s a crowded field, but Burns certainly deserves it.
[theScore]
