Josie Norris of the Predators wins the trophy as the best defender in the NHL

Was the first Predators player to win this award.

“Hockey is the ultimate team sport,” Josie said. “I want to thank my teammates. I can do nothing without a great team. This award belongs to you as long as it belongs to me.

“I thank our coaches and coaching staff, (General Manager) David Poyle and the front office and the entire organization. It is a first class organization and I appreciate the trust and confidence you guys have placed in me.”

Josie has scored goals (16), assists (49) and points (65) in his NHL career in 69 games this season. He finished second in the league in defense in every division and has had the most assists and points by a defenseman in Nashville history. During average snow time (25:47) for the game, Josie finished third, with 23 power-play points and leading the Predators with 108 black shots and a plus-22 rating.

[RELATED: NHL James Norris Memorial Trophy Winners]

As captain, he helped the Predators earn a berth in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers (35-26-8, .565 points), where they lost a 5-series with the Arizona Coyotes in four games.

“I want to thank my wife, our mom, dad, my brother and the rest of my family,” Josie said. “You guys have always been there for me, always supported me and I’m so grateful. I can not be here without you.”

Josie finished with 1,499 points, including 109 first-place votes.

John Carlson Washington capitals and Victor Hedman There are other finalists for the award in the Tampa Bay Lightning, voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association before the start of the post season. Carlson was second with 1,267 points (56 first-place votes), and Hedman was fourth with 820 points (four first-place votes).

“Congratulations to John and Victor on the wonderful seasons,” Josie said. “I would love to compete with you. I love watching you play. You both deserve this award so much.”

Carlson has led the NHL defense with 69 career-high assists and 75 points in 69 games this season, and has tied his career-high with 15 goals, while averaging 24:38 snow time. Carlson ranks first among defenders in game-winning goals (six), second in power-play points (26), and has 108 black shots and a plus-12 rating.

Headman has 55 points (11 goals, 44 assists) in 66 games. He was fourth on the defense with a plus-27 rating, with 98 black shots and 47 takeaways, averaging 24:04 snow time per game.

The 2020 NHL Awards are scheduled for June 18 in Las Vegas, but have been postponed to March 25 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

“I also want to thank our wonderful fans in Nashville, the community in Nashville,” Josie said. “Support over the last few years means the world to me. It is very humble to receive this award and thank you to everyone who voted for me.”

2020 Norris Trophy Voting (1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th)

1. Roman Josie, NSH 1,499 (109-52-9-0-0)

2. John Carlson, WSH 1,267 (56-83-23-2-5)

3. Victor Hedman, TBL 820 (4-25-104-27-4)

4. In Alex Pitrange, STL 527 (1-9-24-104-22)

5. Jacob Slavin, CAR 138 (0-1-5-15-61)

6. Shia Theodore, VGK39 (0-0-1-7-13)

7. Dougie Hamilton, CAR 35 (0-0-2-5-10)

8. Zach Verensky, CBJ 23 (0-0-0-5-8)

9. Kale Maker, COL 23 (0-0-0-2-17)

10. Charlie McAvoy, BOS 14 (0-0-1-1-6)

11. That’s it, From 5 (0-0-1-0-0)

12. In Tony DMJ, NYR 5 (0-0-0-1-2)

Miro Heiskanen, From 5 (0-0-0-1-2)

14. Seth Jones, CBJ5 (0-0-0-0-5)

15. Quinn Hughes, FROM 3 (0-0-0-0-3)

Shia Weber, MTL 3 (0-0-0-0-3)

17. Chris Letang, PIT 2 (0-0-0-0-2)

Ivan Provorov, PHI 2 (0-0-0-0-2)

19. Jonas Bradin, MIN 1 (0-0-0-0-1)

Zdeno Chara, BOS 1 (0-0-0-0-1)

Drew Doty, LAK 1 (0-0-0-0-1)

Tore Krug, BOS 1 (0-0-0-0-1)

Jared Spurgeon, MIN 1 (0-0-0-0-1)