Lady Byng Candidate: Tobias Enstrom

It may seem odd to vocally hope that a player gets the Lady Byng award.  Some view it as just the “nice guy trophy,” but if you think about what it stands for, ability has a great deal to do with it.  You have to be able to play the game, and play it without allowing the opposition to distract you in any way.  Fewer distractions equals more points, after all.

Forwards and defensemen alike are eligible for this award, which was given to Pavel Datsyuk last season, who amassed only 22 penalty minutes while accumulating 97 points (32G 65 A).  While not nearly at the same level points wise, Atlanta’s Tobias Enstrom has been demonstrating the past few seasons why he’s deserving of a look.

Drafted in the 8th round of the 2003 entry draft, Enstrom has become known as Don Waddell’s diamond in the rough.  Enstrom holds several franchise records for defenseman, including most assists for a year at 44, and points for a defenseman at fifty.  He set these records this season while being called for only thirty penalty minutes in all eighty two games played.

Often on the ice to set up a power play goal from the point, Enstrom is a consummate playmaker, even up to the point that fans questioned if he focused on that too much.  Enstrom has never changed his game, regardless of how many people yell “shoot!” at him over the course of a game.

Enstrom has also played an impressive 246 games, 82 games a year, in his short three years in the league, being a workhorse for the Thrashers despite being a target of the opposition due to his small stature.  His 120 points and 124 powerplay minutes shows where his focus is, and it’s not on retribution. His -5 this season is misleading – his ice presence has been noticeable every game, and his puck protection skills, as well as forward movement, are outstanding.

Being paired with veteran Pavel Kubina this season along with increased power play time and responsibility has allowed Enstrom to grow in confidence, and as a player.

Enstrom doesn’t catch your eye on the ice with gritty play, and you will probably never see him mentioned with a player like Chris Pronger, and that’s what makes him special – he’s building a solid reputation as one of the best blueliners in the league with his stick, not with his grit.

Laura Astorian
NHLHS Atlanta Thrashers Correspondant
lastorian@nhlhotstove.com
@hildymac