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NHL Awards should not usually gained within the first month of the season — however there are all the time exceptions.
Take a look at the NHL Awards Watch from one 12 months in the past. Quinn Hughes ended up profitable the Norris Trophy and Connor Bedard was the eventual Calder Trophy winner. However 2023-24 award winners like Nathan MacKinnon (Hart) and Connor Hellebuyck (Vezina) weren’t actually on the radar with voters fairly but, one thing that modified somewhat rapidly because the season carried on.
Among the present leaders will little doubt nonetheless be main on the finish of the season, whereas others are simply getting their second within the highlight earlier than fading from the finalists’ image. The query is: Which gamers are which?
We have polled a wide array of Skilled Hockey Writers Affiliation voters anonymously to get a way of the place the wind is blowing for the present leaders. We have made certain it is a cross part from your complete league, making an attempt to achieve as many views as attainable.
Keep in mind that the PHWA votes for the Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke and Girl Byng finalists; broadcasters vote for the Jack Adams; and normal managers deal with the Vezina.
All stats are from Hockey-Reference.com, Natural Stat Trick and Evolving Hockey.
Soar forward:
Ross | Richard | Hart
Norris | Selke | Vezina
Calder | Byng | Adams
Artwork Ross Trophy (factors chief)
Present chief: Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche (29)
Be careful for: Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild (28)
Lengthy shot: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche (24)
Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy (main objective scorer)
Present chief: Cole Caufield, Montreal Canadiens (12)
Be careful for: Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (10)
Lengthy shot: Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets (9)
Hart Trophy (MVP)
Chief: Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild
Finalists: Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning, Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
It is not even shut.
Kaprizov captured 78% of the first-place ballots from our voters, as they seen the dynamic winger because the engine behind the Wild’s spectacular 10-2-3 begin. By means of 15 video games, Kaprizov was second to MacKinnon in scoring, which included 9 targets and 20 even-strength factors. He was tied with Carolina defenseman Dmitry Orlov with a plus-14 score.
“Making the Minnesota Wild thrilling is a few actual hero stuff,” a voter stated, cheekily.
Kaprizov was seventh for the Hart in 2021-22 when he tallied 108 factors and 47 targets. He is been one of many NHL’s premier objective scorers over the previous three seasons: His 133 targets tied him for fifth in that span with Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen.
“With 10 multipoint outings already, Kaprizov has didn’t register a single level in solely three of 15 contests,” one other voter stated. “If he performs 80 this 12 months, or very close to that quantity, the league’s most underrated celebrity will function a real Hart contender when it issues most.”
Early on, Kaprizov has one of many bellwether stats for a Hart Trophy candidate: The hole between his numbers and the following highest scorer on his staff. By means of 15 video games, he led Matt Boldy by 12 factors. No different present playoff staff has a niche that giant between its prime two scorers.
“I imply, this man has been completely ridiculous this 12 months and you’ll see the worth each by way of his numbers and everybody’s favourite solution to decide ‘worth,’ how a lot he’s carrying the load for his staff,” one other voter backing Kirill the Thrill stated. “Kaprizov’s insane begin has helped take this staff from one which lacks offensive firepower, however has a gentle core, and turned it right into a playoff contender. I feel that covers each ends of what an MVP means.”
Regardless of Kaprizov’s assist for the Hart, some see the race nearer.
“Kaprizov and Kucherov are neck and neck, with a slight edge to Kaprizov for the place the Wild are [in the standings],” a voter stated.
Kucherov has 23 factors in 14 video games for the Lightning, and is tied for the NHL lead in targets (11). His line with Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel is without doubt one of the most dominant within the NHL. Kucherov gained the Hart in 2018-19 and was second within the voting final season, regardless of a career-high 144 factors.
“Kucherov ought to’ve gained it final 12 months and is proving it once more this season,” one other voter stated. “Kaprizov is an in depth second, adopted by MacKinnon.”
In the case of MacKinnon as the opposite finalist, we’re breaking with protocol somewhat bit. He didn’t obtain a first-place vote on any of the ballots we acquired. However the sheer variety of voters who had MacKinnon of their prime three, or talked about him as a participant to observe within the race, tells us there’s momentum to his candidacy.
MacKinnon gained his first Hart Trophy final season with 137 first-place votes — manner down from Connor McDavid‘s rout in 2022-23 (195) however larger than Auston Matthews‘ win in 2021-22 (119). It has been 15 seasons because the NHL had a back-to-back Hart Trophy winner. The final participant to win two in a row was Alex Ovechkin in 2007-08 and 2008-09.
What’s fascinating about MacKinnon this season is that it may current a unique set of circumstances for his MVP candidacy. Final season was a statistical romp: 140 factors, which was 36 greater than Rantanen and 50 greater than Cale Makar. This season, MacKinnon is placing up nice numbers — 29 factors in 15 video games — and seen because the participant preserving a ragged, injured Avalanche staff in rivalry.
“What MacKinnon is doing to prop up an injury-ravaged Avs staff should not be neglected,” a voter stated.
The one two gamers who acquired first-place votes aside from Kaprizov and Kucherov had been defenseman Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights winger Mark Stone. Hughes gained the Norris Trophy final season and was seventh within the Hart voting, whereas Stone has 21 factors in 13 video games and continues to be among the best two-way forwards within the NHL.
Clearly, any dialogue of the Hart Trophy should embrace the participant who has gained it 3 times and been a finalist for it six instances in 10 seasons: Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, who missed a while with a lower-body harm however scored 13 factors by 12 video games up to now this season. It’s going to be attention-grabbing to see the place McDavid lands within the subsequent ballot.
Lastly, a shoutout to the voter who crammed of their Hart Trophy favourite with “everybody in Winnipeg.”
Norris Trophy (prime defenseman)
Chief: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
Finalists: Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks; Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets
Coming off the very best points-per-game fee of his profession final season (2.8), Makar appeared primed to develop into the seventh defenseman in NHL historical past to interrupt 100 factors, and the primary since Erik Karlsson tallied 101 factors with the 2022-23 San Jose Sharks.
His 24 factors in 15 video games to start out this season opened up one other risk: May Makar develop into the second defenseman in NHL historical past to guide all skaters in scoring? The opposite man was Bobby Orr, who did it in 1969-70 (120) after which in 1974-75 (135).
“That stage of manufacturing with everybody round him harm is wild,” a Makar voter stated.
Makar’s dominant begin was mirrored within the voting, because the Avalanche defenseman captured 68% of the first-place ballots. He completed third within the voting for the Norris every of the previous two seasons after profitable the award in 2021-22. Makar has been a Norris finalist in 4 of his 5 NHL seasons.
“Simply think about how robust Colorado’s begin would’ve been with out him,” one other voter famous.
However this is the catch with Makar’s Norris candidacy: He is a minus-6 on the season by 15 video games. Nobody else within the prime 10 scorers amongst defensemen was that far within the purple.
“I do not care that he is a minus on a staff with everybody harm and questionable goaltending,” one other voter argued. “It is also a perform of how a lot he performs.”
Or as one other voter put it: “Plus/minus, schlus/schlinus … the dude’s on tempo for 134 factors.”
Hughes gained the Norris final season pretty emphatically (172 first-place votes) in a three-way race with Nashville’s Roman Josi (12) and Makar (9). He leads the Canucks with 15 factors by 13 video games and has been completely excellent defensively with a 1.76 expected-goals towards per 60 minutes at 5-on-5.
“Makar’s factors are nice, however Hughes has dominated each inch of the ice at any time when he is taking part in,” a voter defined. “Two-way dominance.”
Morrissey has 16 factors in his first 15 video games throughout this torrid begin for the Jets, taking part in 24:22 per recreation. In his tenth NHL season, he is sniffed across the prime three for the Norris previously two seasons, ending fifth in 2022-23 and seventh final season. He was the one defenseman to earn a first-place vote in addition to Makar and Hughes.
Calder Trophy (prime rookie)
Chief: Logan Stankoven, Dallas Stars
Finalists: Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens; Matvei Michkov, Philadelphia Flyers
The rookie of the 12 months race has been turbulent to date. We have had some first-year gamers who’ve run scolding scorching after which ice chilly, like Michkov. We have had some rookies who have not stayed within the lineup resulting from harm (Macklin Celebrini) or demotion (Josh Doan). We have had a handful of high-profile rookies who simply have not achieved lift-off but, like Cutter Gauthier of the Anaheim Ducks (to the delight of Flyers followers after he demanded a commerce final season).
Stankoven has been regular and robust for the Stars. He had factors in eight of 13 video games, main all rookie skaters with 12 factors (two targets and 10 assists). Stankoven has skated to a plus-4 score in 15:49 of common ice time. He is performed with Jamie Benn down the lineup, and in between Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson on their prime line.
That is Stankoven’s rookie season, however he is obtained a bit extra expertise than another gamers right here. He performed 24 regular-season video games in 2023-24, which was one away from final season being his official rookie season. He additionally performed 19 video games within the 2024 playoffs.
“The (simply barely) rookie is stomping about at a close to point-per-game tempo,” one voter concluded.
Stankoven led all rookies with 61% of the first-place votes. Operating second with roughly 17% of the first-place votes was Hutson, the sleek skating 20-year-old who has eight factors in 15 video games, skating to a minus-8. He is hit the spotlight reel a number of instances, skating a hefty 23:12 in ice time per recreation, simply the very best for any rookie defenseman.
Each Michkov and Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks had a pair of first-place votes, however Michkov appeared on extra ballots. Michkov had 10 factors in his first 13 video games earlier than coach John Tortorella made him a wholesome scratch. However that does not inform the entire story: Michkov had 9 factors in his first eight video games, after which a stretch of 5 video games with only one help.
Some voters assume Michkov can construct a Calder case this season however are somewhat cautious about his coach’s function in constructing it.
“It is Michkov, except Torts screws this up,” one voter famous.
“John Tortorella is giving Matvei Michkov studying time within the press field ‘as a part of the method.’ Not essentially a nasty thought from a improvement perspective however hurts Michkov’s shot on the Calder if such routine turns into behavior,” one other voter stated.
The largest recreation changer within the Calder race is Celebrini, the primary general decide within the 2024 draft. He is been restricted to simply 4 video games because of a hip harm, however has three targets and one help in these video games.
Some voters made it clear that the one factor holding them again was Celebrini’s pattern measurement.
“Macklin Celebrini has been essentially the most impactful rookie. Michkov is an in depth second however Celebrini is my decide,” a voter stated. “If Celebrini stays wholesome, I feel he’ll win the Calder.”
“A part of me thinks Macklin Celebrini can sneak again into this race after the setback from the harm, as a result of he confirmed he’s legit on the NHL stage within the few video games he had performed,” one other voter stated. “However being life like, Stankoven has been taking part in nice hockey alongside nice linemates and he has settled in fairly properly right into a top-six function in Dallas. He’ll probably proceed to place up massive numbers.”
One different rookie acquired a first-place vote: Goalie Joel Blomqvist of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was 3-4-0 in seven video games for Pittsburgh this season, driving in from the AHL to rescue their goaltending. He is the one goalie of the Penguins’ trio — which has featured Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic — who has performed to an above-expected stage.
The Penguins have a steep climb again into playoff rivalry. If Blomqvist performs a significant function in a rally, he may have a seat on the ultimate desk for the Calder.
Vezina Trophy (prime goaltender)
Observe: The NHL’s normal managers vote for this award
Chief: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
Finalists: Lukas Dostal, Anaheim Ducks; Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers
With due respect to Dostal, the one different goalie to obtain a vote for the Vezina, that is unmistakably a two-netminder race between Hellebuyck and Shesterkin.
Hellebuyck gained the Vezina final season for the second time in his profession. He is been a finalist 4 instances. Hellebuyck is 11-1-0 with a .935 save share, a 1.83 goals-against common and three shutouts already throughout the Jets’ historic scorching streak to start out the season. Cash Puck has him third (7.2) and Stathletes has him seventh (5.1) in targets saved above anticipated.
The final line of protection is the primary individual you consider as the key to the Jets’ success. There is a purpose he earned 72% of our voters’ first-place ballots.
“Greatest goalie on one of the best staff. Repeat Vezina come June?” a Hellebuyck voter contemplated.
Shesterkin was the clear second alternative. He completed fourth for the award final season after profitable in 2021-22. Shesterkin is 6-3-1 on the season, with a .920 save share and a 2.62 goals-against common plus one shutout. Cash Puck has him even with Hellebuyck in targets save above anticipated, whereas Stathletes has him first with 10.5 targets save above anticipated.
“Pay that man his cash,” a Shesterkin backer quipped.
“Take away the clunker towards Buffalo and it’s Igor Shesterkin’s to lose,” one other Igor voter stated, in reference to the 5 targets he gave up towards the Sabres. “With out him, the Rangers aren’t close to the highest of the standings.”
Remember the fact that Hellebuyck has one other solution to enhance his case that Shesterkin would not: The 4 Nations Face-Off midseason event, the place Hellebuyck is predicted to start out for Staff USA. Clearly, these video games should not issue into the Vezina voting … however perceptions matter and worldwide dominance can definitely bolster one’s repute. Simply ask Ryan Miller, 2010 Olympic star and 2009-10 Vezina winner.
As talked about, Dostal was the one different goalie to obtain a vote. The Geese netminder was solely 4-5-2 in 11 video games, however put up respectable numbers (.922 save share, 2.73 goals-against common) whereas dealing with essentially the most photographs of any goalie within the league up to now this season. Stathletes has him third general in targets saved above anticipated (7.6).
Selke Trophy (greatest defensive ahead)
Chief: Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers
Finalists: Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils; Jordan Staal, Carolina Hurricanes
Barkov has formally reached his “default alternative” period in Selke consideration. Like Patrice Bergeron and Pavel Datsyuk earlier than him, Barkov’s title is now penciled in as the favourite till he offers voters a purpose to erase it.
“It is going to be him ultimately anyway,” a Barkov voter famous.
“Till we get additional into the season it is going to be exhausting to see if there are another standouts however Barkov simply dominates a recreation defensively,” one other stated.
Barkov gained the Selke for the second time final season, and his legend solely grew along with his efficiency in serving to the Panthers win the Stanley Cup. This season, he is been his common dominant self defensively (2.1 targets towards per 60 minutes at 5-on-5) though his motion was restricted early on resulting from harm.
Whereas Barkov is the clear chief with 22% of the first-place votes, a minimum of 11 completely different gamers acquired not less than one as nicely. Hischier had the following most assist (17%), because the Devils’ captain was averaging 1.43 targets towards per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 by 18 video games. He additionally falls squarely into the “he is due” class of Selke seekers, as he was second for the award in 2022-23.
Talking of “he is due,” the ultimate finalist is Jordan Staal. He acquired votes for the Selke in 16 of his 18 earlier NHL seasons. He was second to Barkov for the award final season, the second time Staal has been a finalist. His combo with winger Jordan Martinook may be one of the best tandem of defensive forwards within the NHL. Staal is averaging 1.1 targets towards per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play.
“There are three worthy Canes with Staal, [Seth] Jarvis and Martinook,” a Staal voter stated. “Would not be shocked if that splits the vote and prices certainly one of them the trophy.”
Tampa Bay Lightning middle Anthony Cirelli was proper behind Staal for the ultimate finalist spot. Different gamers who acquired not less than one first-place vote included Adam Lowry of the Winnipeg Jets, Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, Sam Reinhart of the Panthers, Joel Eriksson Ek of the Minnesota Wild, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings, and Mark Stone of the Vegas Golden Knights.
“Excessive time we give this trophy to a winger,” the Stone voter stated.
Girl Byng Trophy (gentlemanly play)
That is the half the place I point out that the Girl Byng Trophy for gentlemanly play ought to be voted on by the league’s on-ice officers or by the NHL Gamers’ Affiliation as a substitute of the PHWA.
It is early, however Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators had solely two penalty minutes in his first 15 video games of the season. And albeit, given the state of his staff, that man had each purpose to lash out at anyone out of frustration.
Jack Adams Award (greatest coach)
Observe: The NHL Broadcasters’ Affiliation votes on this award.
Chief: Scott Arniel, Winnipeg Jets
Finalists: Rod Brind’Amour, Carolina Hurricanes; Spencer Carbery, Washington Capitals
At first look, it is apparent why Arniel can be the early-season chief for coach of the 12 months. The Jets are the primary staff in NHL historical past to win 14 of its first 15 video games of a season. Winnipeg is the second staff in NHL historical past to report a number of six-game win streaks by its first 15 video games. The Jack Adams would not all the time go to the coach of the season’s greatest staff — since 1973-74, solely 10 winners got here from groups that captured the Presidents’ Trophy — however it’s plain that Arniel has turned a superb staff right into a steamroller early within the season.
However inside context of the Jack Adams, Arniel’s case is even stronger. He is in his first 12 months as Winnipeg’s head coach after serving as affiliate coach underneath Rick Bowness, so he’ll earn credit score for any enhance within the standings over their 110-point season in 2023-24. However remember the voters had been already impressed with the Jets: Bowness was a Jack Adams finalist final season.
Voters love a redemption story, too: Please recall Arniel had two unsuccessful years with Columbus from 2010-11, paid his dues and obtained his second probability over a decade later.
“As boring a decide for the Jack Adams as Hellebuyck is for the Vezina, the Jets must implode badly for Arniel to lose his grip on pole place within the race for Coach of the Yr,” an Arniel voter defined.
That stated, Arniel garnered solely 55% of the first-place ballots. Carbery was a really sturdy second with 28% of the votes, having positioned seventh within the voting final season. Carbery coached the Capitals to an surprising playoff spot final season. Washington has a .714 factors share by 14 video games and is taking part in higher at 5-on-5 in Carbery’s second season.
Those that imagine in Carbery actually imagine in him.
“Spencer Carbery, and it isn’t even shut,” a voter stated.
“We assumed the 2024-25 Capitals had been all about one particular person’s chase for a report. The staff appears legit, and Carbery deserves credit score for the group buy-in,” one other Carbery voter defined.
The opposite finalist is Rod Brind’Amour, who gained the award in 2020-21. The Hurricanes proceed to play Rod The Bod’s system to perfection, with a plus-20 objective differential by 13 video games.
“This feels apparent, so it most likely will not occur,” a Brind’Amour backer stated.
The one different coach to obtain assist from our voters was Paul Maurice of the Florida Panthers, a loquacious bench boss whose victory would clearly be price it for the speech.
