Prediction: Norris Trophy

Here are the nominees for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey Leagues' top defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.

Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins

This Slovakian player, who, at 6'9" and 255 pounds is the tallest player in NHL history, is honored to have been nominated for this prestigious trophy for the second time.  He finished second to Scott Niedermeyer in 2004.

He had 17 goals and 34 assists for 51 points and a plus-14 rating in 77 games on a team that was more of a defensive team, and one that did snuck into the playoffs on the last day.

Chara also recorded the fastest slap shot in the NHL Skills Competition, at 103.1 MPH.  The Bruins captain had the best offensive year of his career.

Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

Lidstrom has won this award five times in the past six seasons, and is being nominated for the ninth time in his career.  Lidstrom averaged 26:43 of ice time in 76 games.  He had ten goals and 60 assists for 70 points, while amassing an extraordinary plus/minus rating of plus-40.  He is perhaps the best defenseman in league history, behind Bobby Orr.

Dion Phaneuf, Calgary Flames

This is Phaneuf's first nomination, yet he was nominated for the Calder Trophy two years ago for rookie of the year, losing to Alex Ovechkin.  The ninth overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Phaneuf is one of the most intimidating players in the league.  He was named to the All-Star team for the second straight year, and amassed 17 goals and 43 assists for 60 points in 82 games.  He set career highs in assists and points.

"I think he's somewhere between Scott Stevens and Larry Robinson in that Larry did play on the power play and was a puck-moving defenseman and Dion has that skill set," said coach Mike Keenan. "Scott played on the power play, but he was very much a defending defenseman who would always play against the top competitors on the opposing team. Dion has that portion of his game, too."

I believe that this year, it is a no-brainer.  Phaneuf and Chara had great years, and both of them will be nominated in the future.  Phaneuf will most likely win a few of these over his career, but Lidstrom's career is not done yet.  As long as he is playing at this level in the NHL, then he will take home this trophy every year.  Therefore, I award the 2008 James Norris Memorial Trophy to Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings.