Shea Weber a Norris Trophy finalist for 2nd consecutive year

Following in the footsteps of his goalie, Nashville Predators captain Shea Weber is heading back to Las Vegas as a finalist for the 2012 Norris Trophy, which goes to the blueliner who "demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position", as voted upon by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Like Pekka Rinne, this is Weber's second year in a row as a contender for a major NHL award. In 2011, Weber lost out to Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom.

I laid out my case for Weber back in early March, and the same arguments still apply. Honestly, I could see this award going to any one of these finalists, even if I'd give Weber the edge in "all-around ability".

Shea Weber

#6 / Defenseman / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-4

Weight: 232

Born: Aug 14, 1985

Why He'll Win: Does it all - defends, scores & plays physically.

Why He Won't: Only 6th in NHL D scoring, which is where many voters look first.

The other finalists are...

Zdeno Chara

#33 / Defenseman / Boston Bruins

Height: 6-9

Weight: 255

Born: Mar 18, 1977

Why He'll Win: Suffocating defender, has won before (2009)

Why He Won't: Will writers in the East split between he & Karlsson?

Erik Karlsson

#65 / Defenseman / Ottawa Senators

Height: 6-0

Weight: 175

Born: May 31, 1990

Why He'll Win: Eye-popping assists

Why He Won't: Just 0:33 of PK ice time per game, not a stopper