Day after signing new contract, Erik Karlsson wins Norris Trophy

Along with leaving Las Vegas with a brand new 7-year, $45.5 million contract, Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson will also be taking home some hardware after winning the Norris Trophy, kicking off the NHL Awards show on Wednesday night.

The 22-year old Karlsson bested Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins and Shea Weber of the Nashville Predators the league's top defenseman. He finished the year leading all defensemen in scoring with a career-best 78 points, 25 more than Dustin Byfuglien and Brian Campbell. His point total was the best by a blueliner since Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings hit 80 points in 2005-06.

"One of the best days of my life," said Karlsson. "It's pretty hard to say how great it feels."

Ending his season to remember, Karlsson will add another "best" day to his life as he'll be getting married in the next three weeks.

Here's how the voting went down:

(overall points, 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, 4th place, 5th place votes)

1. Erik Karlsson, OTT 1,069 (66-31-32-9-5)
2. Shea Weber, NSH 1,057 (49-54-32-9-2)
3. Zdeno Chara, BOS 950 (32-48-47-19-2)

Karlsson becomes the youngest winner since Denis Potvin took home the first of his three Norris Trophies in 1976.

Many questioned Karlsson's Norris credentials pointing out his offensive abilities outweighed his still-developing defensive skills, but the ridiculous point total certainly swayed some voters.

Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy