Duncan Keith wins NHL's defenseman award
Duncan Keith completed his dream season Wednesday night when he won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman.
That's a Stanley Cup, an Olympic gold medal and the Norris Trophy in the same season in which the Blackhawks' star signed a new 13-year, $72 million contract extension.
"It's nice to have a contract, and it's nice to win this award and win championships," Keith said. "But I think as soon as the summer goes by and training camp starts going again, all the hunger to come back and win again is right there.
"It's nice to enjoy it now, but once you strap on the skates again and everything's all about winning. And one year, one good year, is not going to make me satisfied."
Keith received 76 out of 133 first-place votes from members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association to beat out runner-up Mike Green of the Washington Capitals and Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings.
"It really is an honor to get this award, thinking about all the great defensemen we have in this league and all the great defensemen who have won this award before me," Keith said. "To think of the other defensemen who have won it, and nominated, and the other Blackhawk players who have won it: Chris Chelios, Pierre Pilote, to name a couple. To be in that group is kind of unbelievable."
Keith is the fourths Hawk defenseman to win the Norris and the first since Chelios in 1996. Pilote won three straight Norris trophies from 1963-65. Doug Wilson won it in 1982 and Chelios in 1993 and 1996.
Keith was perhaps the Hawks' most important player in their 112-point regular season and run through the playoffs to the Stanley Cup.
He averaged almost 27 minutes of ice time per game and finished with career highs for goals (14), assists (55) and points (69). He also blocked 143 shots to rank second on the team behind defense partner Brent Seabrook's 153.
Keith was second in the NHL in scoring among defensemen and second on the Hawks behind Patrick Kane's 88 points.
"I especially want to thank all my teammates," Keith said. "I definitely wouldn't be up here without all you guys - best group of guys I ever played with. So many good memories this year and so many more to come, hopefully."
Keith also thanked coach Joel Quenneville, former coach Trent Yawney and the Hawks fans.
"Best fans I've ever been a part of and the best fans in the league," Keith said.
"I want to thank all my coaches for believing in me and the trust they give me to give me the ice time they do."
Keith also was named to the NHL's prestigious first all-star team along with Kane.
Buffalo's Ryan Miller was the first all-star goalie, with Keith and Green the defensemen. Kane was named first-team right wing, joining left wing Alex Ovechkin and center Henrik Sedin up front. Kane had 30 goals and 88 points.