I remember Joe Bowen mentioning that during several games that season.I never understood why Tomáš Kaberle wasn't even a finalist in 2001/02. 39 points in 69 games played and only 2 PIMs.
Defensemen in general have to play a more physical style. That can be confused with playing dirty sometimes.
Either way, the award is a joke anyway. Essentially, its a "who's the softest player" award.
Because you really dont want your dman to be a "Lady Byng"