Continuing our wandering through the NHL Awards pre-season, today we look at the Norris Trophy. Awarded annually to the league's top defenseman, it likely should just be renamed the Nicklas Lidstrom Trophy and given to him on a permanent basis, even after retirement.

This year, the NHL's finalist are Zdeno Chara, Shea Weber and Erik Karlsson. Seventy-eight points from the blue line is something few teams can even dream of, let alone realize. Karlsson certainly made his case. Is it a good enough case to win over the writers here at Hockey Wilderness? Cast your vote, then read our choices.

You can also see who the folks over at the NHL hub picked.

Nathan

Winner: Erik Karlsson

Nominees: Shea Weber & Zdeno Chara

Bruce

Winner: Erik Karlsson

Nominees: Shea Weber & Zdeno Chara

Bryan

Winner: Shea Weber

Nominees: Nik Lidstrom & Erik Karlsson

Rationale: It's Weber's time. Much like the development of a defenseman, winning the Norris takes not just one great season. Sure, it's an annual award, but the fact that Lidstrom won so many despite some sub-elite seasons shows that this is an award based on reputation. Karlsson is likely due the honor, but he won't stand a chance in the voting.

JS

Winner: Shea Weber

Nominess: Zdeno Chara & Erik Karlsson

Rationale: Weber is the perfect mix of offense and defense. He's downright scary too.