NHL Awards Watch: Hart, Norris, Calder Front-Runners
The NHL Awards season is in full swing as the race for the Hart, Norris, and Calder Trophies heats up. With two months into the season, the battle for postseason hardware is intense, with both established favorites and rising stars vying for the top honors.
Kirill The Thrill Dominates Hart Trophy Race
In the race for the Hart Trophy, Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov continues to dominate, leading the MVP race with an impressive 42 points in 26 games. Kaprizov’s stellar performance has propelled the Wild to the top of the Western Conference, defying expectations and silencing critics who doubted the team’s ability to succeed without key players.
With 17 goals and 25 assists, Kaprizov has been a force to be reckoned with on the ice, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities. His impact on the team’s success cannot be understated, as he carries the Wild’s offense and leads by example in every game.
While Kaprizov maintains a strong lead in the Hart Trophy race, Carolina Hurricanes’ Martin Necas is hot on his heels, matching him point for point with 42 points in 27 games. Necas’ breakout season has caught the attention of voters, with his offensive contributions and game-winning performances making him a legitimate contender for the MVP award.
Cale Makar Leads Norris Trophy Race
In the race for the Norris Trophy, Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar stands out as the front-runner, earning 75% of the first-place votes. Makar’s offensive prowess and defensive reliability have solidified his position as the league’s best defenseman, with 35 points in 29 games and a remarkable nine goals to his name.
Makar’s historic start to the season has drawn comparisons to legendary defenseman Bobby Orr, showcasing his elite skills and impact on the Avalanche’s success. As one voter noted, Makar’s ability to excel offensively while taking on a primary matchup role sets him apart from his competitors, making him a deserving candidate for the Norris Trophy.
Matvei Michkov Leads Calder Trophy Race
The Calder Trophy race for the top rookie honors is fiercely contested, with Philadelphia Flyers’ Matvei Michkov leading the pack with 56% of the first-place votes. Michkov’s electrifying performance on the ice, highlighted by 25 points in 26 games and 11 goals, has captured the attention of voters and fans alike.
Despite facing stiff competition from San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini, who has been making waves with his impressive offensive output and game-winning performances, Michkov remains the favorite to win the Calder Trophy. His ability to shine under pressure and deliver clutch plays has set him apart as a standout rookie in the NHL.
As the season progresses, the race for the Hart, Norris, and Calder Trophies promises to deliver more excitement and surprises, with top players vying for the ultimate recognition in the league. Stay tuned as the NHL Awards Watch unfolds, showcasing the best of the best in professional hockey.