Erik Karlsson Norris Trophy
Three-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson is one of the most dynamic defencemen in NHL history.
Erik Karlsson is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was drafted 15th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2008 and spent his first nine NHL seasons with them, also playing for the San Jose Sharks. He is a three-time winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best defenceman, winning in 2012, 2015, and 2023.
Quick Facts
- Player
- Erik Karlsson
- Position
- Defenseman
- Award
- James Norris Memorial Trophy
- Year won
- 2012-13 and 2014-15
- Team affiliation
- Ottawa Senators (Modern Era)
- Nationality
- Swedish
Lore & Background
Karlsson won the Norris Trophy for the 2011–12 season, announced on 20 June 2012. He became the second Swede after Nicklas Lidström to win the award, joining Bobby Orr and Denis Potvin as the only players to win it under age 23. He won his second Norris Trophy on 24 June 2015 for the 2014–15 season, and his third in 2023.
Reader's Guide
The Norris Trophy is awarded annually to the NHL's top defenceman. Karlsson's wins came for the 2011–12, 2014–15, and 2022–23 seasons. He was also a finalist in 2015–16 and 2016–17, finishing second both times.
Did You Know?
- Karlsson is the only defenceman since Bobby Orr to lead the league in assists, doing so in 2015–16.
- He set a Senators franchise record for points by a defenceman in 2011–12 with 78.
- Karlsson served as the ninth captain in Ottawa Senators history from 2014 to 2018.
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