Who are the frontrunners for NHL awards at the mid-point of the season?
Art Ross Trophy (Most Points): Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid currently leads the league with 60 points in 34 games. McDavid is on a crazy pace for 99 points in a 56 game season. It’s almost certain that Connor McDavid will walk away with the Art Ross Trophy.
Hart Trophy (Most Valuable Player): Patrick Kane, RW, Chicago Blackhawks
At the start of the year, everyone expected the Blackhawks to be one of the worst teams if not the worst team in the whole NHL. However, they are proving everyone wrong by currently being in a playoff spot. All of the Blackhawks success is based on Patrick Kane and his tremendous play of 42 points in 32 games. Without Kane, who knows where the Blackhawks would be.
James Norris Trophy (Best Defensemen): Victor Hedman, D, Tampa Bay Lightning
The Norris Trophy goes to the best defensemen, both offensively and defensively. And Hedman is doing just that. Hedman has 32 points in 31 games for the Lightning while also maintaining a strong defensive play. If his great play continues for the rest of the season, Hedman could have his second Norris Trophy.
Calder Trophy (Best Rookie): Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Minnesota Wild
Kirill Kaprizov is the clear front runner for the Calder this year, with a huge impact on the Wild’s success. Kaprizov is having a very impressive rookie year, filled with highlight reel goals and assists, along with 25 points in 29 games. Although there are a few players right behind him, Kaprizov will end up being the best rookie at the end of the season.
Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender): Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay Lightning
Andrei Vasilevskiy is seen as one of the best goalies in the league and it is showing so far. Vasilevskiy is leading the Lightning to the best record in the league with great stats. He has a 1.86 GAA and .933 save percentage with 3 shutouts which is all in the top 5 for goalies. There shouldn’t be any real debate for whom this award should go to.
Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward): Alexander Barkov, C, Florida Panthers
This award was very hard to predict between Alexander Barkov and Mark Stone. Both are great defensive players, putting up great offensive stats as well. However, Barkov should have the slight edge over Stone playing center instead of wing and having a bigger role on a better team. Plus, Barkov is super underrated playing on the Panthers and never gets the recognition he deserves.
Maurice Rocket Richard (Most Goals): Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs
Right now, the Rocket is tied between two players: Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews. McDavid currently has the tiebreaker with more points. However, Matthews has appeared in 5 less games and has been battling with a wrist injury all year. By the time the season is done, Matthews (assuming he stays healthy) will be ahead in goals.
Jack Adams Award (Best Coach): Joel Quenneville
At the start of the season, no one expected the Panthers to be good. Everyone expected them to be a bubble playoff team, like they normally are. The Panthers proved everyone wrong and are currently sitting as tied as the 2nd best team in the league. A majority of their success is relied on Joel Quenneville who has done a great job in turning the team into contenders.
