The Norris Trophy is the NHL award given to the most outstanding defenseman during the regular season. Before our abbreviated 2013 season began we profiled some of the top fantasy options at the blue line. While fantasy numbers don’t always translate into personal awards, the criteria for the Norris certainly favored the offense-first Erik Karlsson.

This year appears to be no different as each Norris nominee put up impressive offensive numbers. All three candidates are gifted in the offensive zone but are equally elite while protecting their own net. Here are your 2013 Norris Trophy nominees.

P.K Subban, Montreal Canadiens

Once Subban got his contract issues ironed out he showed Montreal and the rest of the NHL why he is one of the rising stars in the league. Subban who had provided as many headaches as cheers for the Montreal faithful really refined his game and took a huge step forward this year. Never mind the Norris, Subban could very well have been considered for the Hart Trophy. Carey Price and Subban carried the Canadiens to a second place finish in the Eastern Conference and a division title. Subban finished his impressive regular season with 11 goals and 27 assists in 42 games this year.

Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild

Suter and new teammate Zach Parise brought a ton of optimism to the Minnesota Wild this season. While the optimists in the “State of Hockey” had dreams of a Stanley Cup, realists saw the Wild as contenders a playoff berth and possibly a division title. Suter certainly delivered the goods as the American defenseman added four goals and 28 assists. He led the NHL in ice time with over 27 minutes a game with 11 games at over 30 minutes. While many people thought Suter might struggle in his first year away from Nashville stud Shea Weber, it was the Predator’s captain that seemed to struggle without his former partner.

Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins

Kris Letang seemed to be his own worst enemy in recent years. Last season Letang looked to be on his way to a Norris Trophy season before he was concussed in Montreal. This season the Penguins’ defenseman couldn’t avoid the injury bug (for the most part) but put together a complete season. With all of the offensive weapons in Pittsburgh, Letang can pile up points just by being on the ice. He can join the rush as well as any defenseman in the league and has greatly improved his defensive game. Letang finished second to Subban in scoring for defensemen with five goals and 33 assists in 35 games.