Art Ross Trophy: Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid, the best hockey player in the NHL, will win the Art Ross Trophy for scoring the most points. McDavid has had 4 100 point seasons (including being on pace for 100 points last season), and has won two Art Ross Trophies before. He has accomplished this much already into his young career while playing with average wingers. Next season, McDavid is expected to play with Jesse Pulliarjvi and Ryan-Nugent Hopkins which will increase his play next season. With improved wingers, McDavid is bound to have an incredible season and have the most points next season.
Hart Trophy: Nathan MacKinnon
Nathan MacKinnon is arguably the second best player in the NHL and has been leading the Avalanche to the top of the league. MacKinnon has notched a little less than a 100 points in the last three seasons, being a Hart candidate in those seasons. MacKinnon should have won at least 2 Hart Trophies in his career, but was snubbed twice. However, this year Mackinnon will break out for over a 100 points and lead the Avalanche, and finally win his first Hart Trophy.
Calder Trophy: Kirill Kaprizov
Every year, the first overall pick is always projected to win the Calder Trophy, however this year Kirill Kaprizov will win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. Kaprizov is coming over from Russia, and will play for the Wild in his first season. Kaprizov blew it up in the KHL with 62 points in 57 points as a 23 year old. Now Kaprizov will enter the NHL with a ton of experience and ice time, expecting to play in the Wild’s top 6.
Selke Trophy: Patrice Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron has had a long history with the Selke Trophy, winning it 4 times in his career. This offseason the Bruins lost a ton of defensive talent in Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara. They also faced some injury problems with Marchand and Pastrnak expected to miss the start of the season. This will cause Bergeron to have an increased role offensively and defensively which could set him up for his fifth Selke Trophy for being the best defensive forward.
Vezina Trophy: Connor Hellebuyck
Connor Helleybuyck posted incredible stats last season in front of one of the worst defenses in the league. Hellebuyck had a 0.922 save percentage and a 2.57 goals against average while leading the Jets to the postseason. The Jets haven’t improved much at defense this offseason, which means if Hellebuyck posts similar stats, he could win back to back Vezina Trophies for being the best goalie.
Norris Trophy: Victor Hedman
Stanley Cup Champion Victor Hedman is coming off a great season with 55 points but could have a bigger impact next season if the LIghtning keep up their great play. Hedman could get some more ice time with the departure of Kevin Shattenkirk and the uncertainty of Erik Cernak resigning and this could help his case into being declared the best defenseman.
Ted Lindsay Award: Connor McDavid
As mentioned before, McDavid is the best player in the NHL and the Ted Lindsay Trophy goes to the player that is voted the best in the league by his fellow players. If McDavid puts up the incredible numbers he is projected to put up this season, he would be the easy pick for this award.
Maurice Richard Trophy: Alex Ovechkin
Ovechkin is arguably the best goal scorer in NHL history, racking up 706 goals in his career. Ovechkin has accumulated 9 Maurice Richard Trophies already in his career and his 10th one could be on the way with the pace he is scoring at.
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