" Duncan Keith was rewarded for a stellar season Friday when he was named as a finalist for the Norris Trophy, given to the NHL's top defenseman.

The Blackhawks' blue liner set career highs with 15 goals, 54 assists and 69 points and was a plus-21 as he played in all 82 regular-season games.

"Just to be nominated is a huge honor," Keith said. "If you look at other people who have been nominated and other people who have won it, it's a pretty special category and one that I'm very proud to be a part of."

Keith, 26, was a major factor in the Hawks' run to the Central Division title and a second-place finish in the Western Conference. He also has spearheaded the defense during the Hawks' Western Conference quarterfinals series against the Predators. The series is tied 2-2 with Game 5 on Saturday at the United Center."