SAN JOSE—Sharks defenseman Brent Burns, 32, is among the top three finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award, according to the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) whose votes determine the winner each year.
The Ted Lindsay Award is issued annually to the “most outstanding player.”
Along with Burns, who is a first-time finalist for the award, Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, 20, and Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby, 29, have also been nominated.
Burns is the second Sharks player to be selected as a finalist. Center Joe Thornton was appointed after the 2005-2006 season when it was known as the Lester B. Pearson Award.
A native of Barrie, Ontario, Canada, Burns commenced his career with the San Jose Sharks in 2011 after being traded from the Minnesota Wild. He ended this past season with 29 goals, a Sharks franchise record for which he also ranked the 18th highest in NHL history for total goals scored in one season by a defenseman.
Burns attained 47 assists for a total of 76 points, averaging 0.93 points per game. This surpassed last year’s franchise record for “most points by a blue liner” in one season, team officials stated in a press release.
Burns earned a plus-19 rating in 82 games and was ranked ninth in the NHL for points and T-12th in assists. He led the league in shots on goal, a total of 320.
Burns has also been selected as a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, which is awarded each year to the NHL defenseman who demonstrates “the greatest all-round ability in the position.”
The 2017 NHL award winners will be announced on June 21 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
