NHL awards lacking one name -- Orr

Although some might argue the NHL is already too generous with its postseason awards, the league should make room for a new category to honor the highest-scoring defenseman every season.

Eleven awards for players will be handed out Thursday night at the NHL's annual awards ceremony, but a Bobby Orr Trophy would be a perfect tribute to the legendary defenseman who revolutionized the game with his offensive talents. (Though designing a trophy with a figure of Orr flying through the air after scoring the Stanley Cup-winning goal in 1970 might present a challenge.)

The James Norris Trophy is supposed to go to "the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability in his position," but for years many voters lazily chose high-scoring defensemen. Adding an Orr Trophy would reinforce what the Norris Trophy is supposed to stand for and award defensemen who can shut down opponents as well as contribute offensively.

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