NHL considers trophy name changes . Norris = Orr

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

How do you feel about it?

http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/7350...hl-s-top-awards

The NHL is floating the idea of renaming its trophies after players instead of owners and others who never played the game.

The Hart Memorial Trophy, for the most valuable player, would be named instead after Gordie Howe. The Art Ross, for scoring, would be named after Wayne Gretzky, the most prolific scorer in league history.

The Norris trophy, given to the NHL's top defenceman, would be named after Bobby Orr, who revolutionized the position. The Calder trophy, for rookie of the year, would be named after Pittsburgh great Mario Lemieux.

"It's nothing more than an idea being kicked around at this point in time," said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly.

The Hart was named in 1924 after Dr. David A. Hart, father of Cecil Hart, who was manager-coach of the Montreal Canadiens.

Art Ross, the former manager-coach of the Bruins, presented the scoring trophy in 1947.

Frank Calder was NHL president from 1936 until his death in 1947.

The Norris family donated that trophy in 1953 in honour of the former owner of the Detroit Red Wings.

[RadioGaGa 162]

I think there is more than enough history behind the current names. I would like to see some destinction made for Outstanding Offensive Defencemen...call that the "Orr Award". But other than that, keeping what they have is fine.

Just because those names are more recognizeable to people right now...don't lose the heritage and memory of the pioneers who were given (or earned) the status of the trophy names in the first place.

Their logic is decent enough...but not perfect. The greatest Trophy in all of Sports...is not named after a player...it's named after a politician.

Stanley Cup

[jds 20]

I'm torn on this one. While I prefer the heritage names because they reflect the history of the game, many of the men the current trophies are named after were oppressive,greedy robber baron types (James Norris and Conn Smythe were miserly, vindictive men and Jack Adams was the guy who ripped off Gordie Howe for years)who mistreated the players and each other which led to the formation of the NHLPA which, as well, could be seen as a good or bad thing depending on your opinion.

[RadioGaGa 162]

I'm torn on this one. While I prefer the heritage names because they reflect the history of the game, many of the men the current trophies are named after were oppressive,greedy robber baron types (James Norris and Conn Smythe were miserly, vindictive men and Jack Adams was the guy who ripped off Gordie Howe for years)who mistreated the players and each other which led to the formation of the NHLPA which, as well, could be seen as a good or bad thing depending on your opinion.

As apposed to the oppressive, greedy, robber baron types of today and the not so distant past? <_<

MLSE, Mr. Wurtz in Chicago, Bruce McNall, Boots...etc...

[jds 20]

Good point. Although those guys just ripped off everyone they could ( MLSE still doing it) while the old school guys seemed to harbour real class distinction nastiness.

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

I think there is more than enough history behind the current names. I would like to see some destinction made for Outstanding Offensive Defencemen...call that the "Orr Award". But other than that, keeping what they have is fine.

Sort of like what the Hockey News do now. I think they do their annual awards edition with the Bobby Orr award for outstanding offensive defenseman and the Rod Langway award for best Defenisve defenseman

[Chadd 916]

As much as I prefer tradition, I actually think this might be a good idea.

[psh 25]

As much as I prefer tradition, I actually think this might be a good idea.

Agreed. I'm a conservative soul, but it seems that these awards ought to be named after players, not owners and managers. And the players who are being discussed seem to embody the characteristics being recognized by the awards that would be named after them.

[fieldofdreams 0]

I think there is more than enough history behind the current names. I would like to see some destinction made for Outstanding Offensive Defencemen...call that the "Orr Award". But other than that, keeping what they have is fine.

That's pretty much how they pick the Norris now, anyway.

[top_shelf_24 0]

^Really? I feel that Lidstrom, Chara and Nieds all are very solid defensively. Obviously there are other guys who are better hitters or fighters, but also consider who seems to be leading the team out of the six defensemen of the teams who won the cup over the years, as that would have a lot to due with the decisions of the voters it would seem.

[chippa13 1844]

Sure, they're good defensively but if you don't put up points then you won't even be considered for the Norris. The Selke has been the same for as long as I remember guys getting it. You never see a 10 goal/30 point guy up for it.

[pantherfan 0]

Why stop there, Stanley Cup anyone?

Don't like the idea of this and can't see it happening, this isn't like the rebranding of the Yzerman curve or something, just because nobody remembers these people anymore it doesn't mean that their name isn't fit to be carried on.

Call me over-dramatic and sentimental it's JM .02

[dsjunior1388 81]

Sure, they're good defensively but if you don't put up points then you won't even be considered for the Norris. The Selke has been the same for as long as I remember guys getting it. You never see a 10 goal/30 point guy up for it.

Considering John Madden and Kris Draper have both taken home the selke I have to disagree with you.

[Chadd 916]

Sure, they're good defensively but if you don't put up points then you won't even be considered for the Norris. The Selke has been the same for as long as I remember guys getting it. You never see a 10 goal/30 point guy up for it.

Considering John Madden and Kris Draper have both taken home the selke I have to disagree with you.

Draper had 24 goals in 67 games the year he won the Selke

Madden had 23 goals in 80 games the year that he won the Selke

Both were career high in goal totals.

[dsjunior1388 81]

^Really? I feel that Lidstrom, Chara and Nieds all are very solid defensively. Obviously there are other guys who are better hitters or fighters, but also consider who seems to be leading the team out of the six defensemen of the teams who won the cup over the years, as that would have a lot to due with the decisions of the voters it would seem.

Yeah, but Mike Green finished in the top 3 last year and hes not even close to Lidstrom, Chara, or Niedermayer defensively.

[top_shelf_24 0]

He also exceeded both of them last year in scoring/general offensive ability. I wonder why they didn't pick him to win... ;)

[lee92 2]

I'm very much against changing the names. I may not know who each person was that each award is named after, but it's tradition. The people the awards are named after are long forgotten, but each name is synonymous with its award. I see this as just another attempt for Gary to Americanize the sport; to cater to the minority in an effort to get an extra viewer, while alienating those who've been fans since near birth. If someone doesn't know what the Hart trophy is for, what are the chances they're going to associate Howe with League MVP? How do you associate Lemieux with Rookie of the Year? It just doesn't make sense. The casual fan might recognize the name, but they won't have a shit clue when matching up their names with the awards.

[dontdumpdangle 0]

might as well name any trophy that has anything to do with scoring or mvp the gretzky award. I say keep it the same

[mack 44]

I'm just dying to hear what they re-name the Lady Byng.

[CAmmon 2]

I'm just dying to hear what they re-name the Lady Byng.

The Chris Pronger Trophy.

/sarcasm

[chk hrd 164]

I see this as just another attempt for Gary to Americanize the sport;

How is it Americanising the sport if you are naming them after Canadians...

I think we should keep the names to honor the people who they are named after. They developed the game and brought it out of obscurity. I also don't think you should name a trophy after anyone that is alive. if the names are changed would the trophies be given out by thier name sakes; and if so what do you do when that person dies? Who decides who to name it after and when do you stop changing the name, would the Orr trophy one day be changed to the Lidstrom trophy. Why name them at all?

Leave them as they are, one thing about hockey is it honors it's traditions.

[ts.krajewski 0]

I dont really see a point in changing the names, its a dumb idea imo.

[dsjunior1388 81]

I'm very much against changing the names. I may not know who each person was that each award is named after, but it's tradition. The people the awards are named after are long forgotten, but each name is synonymous with its award. I see this as just another attempt for Gary to Americanize the sport; to cater to the minority in an effort to get an extra viewer, while alienating those who've been fans since near birth. If someone doesn't know what the Hart trophy is for, what are the chances they're going to associate Howe with League MVP? How do you associate Lemieux with Rookie of the Year? It just doesn't make sense. The casual fan might recognize the name, but they won't have a shit clue when matching up their names with the awards.

Probably the reason they are considerring changing the names.

The question I have is do we get a new trophy to give out to the award winnner, or do they just relabel the existing trophy? The way I see it if you discontinue the name of the Hart Trophy, you put it in the Hall, and the design a new one to hand out for whoever you name it after.

Really though they should just keep the original names, and if neccessary find a way to remind people who Art Ross or Frank Selke were.

[RadioGaGa 162]

I'm very much against changing the names. I may not know who each person was that each award is named after, but it's tradition. The people the awards are named after are long forgotten, but each name is synonymous with its award. I see this as just another attempt for Gary to Americanize the sport; to cater to the minority in an effort to get an extra viewer, while alienating those who've been fans since near birth. If someone doesn't know what the Hart trophy is for, what are the chances they're going to associate Howe with League MVP? How do you associate Lemieux with Rookie of the Year? It just doesn't make sense. The casual fan might recognize the name, but they won't have a shit clue when matching up their names with the awards.

Probably the reason they are considerring changing the names.

The question I have is do we get a new trophy to give out to the award winnner, or do they just relabel the existing trophy? The way I see it if you discontinue the name of the Hart Trophy, you put it in the Hall, and the design a new one to hand out for whoever you name it after.

Really though they should just keep the original names, and if neccessary find a way to remind people who Art Ross or Frank Selke were.

IIRC...The recipient gets a replica version each....the "original" trophy stays at the Hall.

[lee92 2]

I'm very much against changing the names. I may not know who each person was that each award is named after, but it's tradition. The people the awards are named after are long forgotten, but each name is synonymous with its award. I see this as just another attempt for Gary to Americanize the sport; to cater to the minority in an effort to get an extra viewer, while alienating those who've been fans since near birth. If someone doesn't know what the Hart trophy is for, what are the chances they're going to associate Howe with League MVP? How do you associate Lemieux with Rookie of the Year? It just doesn't make sense. The casual fan might recognize the name, but they won't have a shit clue when matching up their names with the awards.

Probably the reason they are considerring changing the names.

The question I have is do we get a new trophy to give out to the award winnner, or do they just relabel the existing trophy? The way I see it if you discontinue the name of the Hart Trophy, you put it in the Hall, and the design a new one to hand out for whoever you name it after.

Really though they should just keep the original names, and if neccessary find a way to remind people who Art Ross or Frank Selke were.

Why do you need to know the person a trophy is named after to understand what the trophy is for? In a hundred years from now, would they wipe Gretzkys, Howes, and Lemieuxs names from the trophies to continually modernize them? It's pretty weak. If you don't know Art Ross = leading scorer, Hart = MVP, or Norris = best defenceman, then you're probably not dedicated enough of a fan to make changing the names worth it.

And FYI, there's a good read on The Hockey News regarding this topic as well.