The Ted Lindsay finalists this season are
Roman Josi,
Auston Matthews, &
Connor McDavid. The changing of the perennial guard for the Lindsay has been underway for a couple of seasons now, however the award that used to belong to
Sidney Crosby's generation now seems to belong to the new wave of NHL superstars. As is the nature of linear time, the young usurp the old.
Since the Lindsay is voted on by players instead of writers, its significance tends to carry more weight. Each finalist had a terrific season, but McDavid & Matthews simply separated themselves. One of them will likely win the award with all due respect to
Roman Josi.
Josi had a great season & without him,
Juuse Saros, &
Filip Forsberg Nashville most certainly would have missed the playoffs. However, Josi's insane offensive impact doesn't excuse his defensive impact, or lack thereof.
McDavid & Matthews, simply, stole the show. This will be interesting because both players dominated the regular season, one scoring 60 goals with incredible defensive play with the other scoring 123 points & singlehandedly dragging his team into the playoffs. "But Draisailt" this is a fair point, but take Connor off the Oilers & they are seriously out of the playoffs. No question.
This will surely be an interesting award, who deserves is more?
