The NHL Awards Watch: Top Contenders for the Hart, Norris, and Calder Trophies
As the NHL season progresses, the race for the most prestigious awards in hockey heats up. The Hart Trophy, which honors the league’s most valuable player, is typically dominated by forwards, leaving goaltenders and defensemen in the shadows. However, this year, the narrative might shift, with standout performers emerging from unexpected positions.
Leading the charge for the Hart Trophy is Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, a goaltender who has been instrumental in his team’s success. Hellebuyck’s stellar performance between the pipes has earned him the spotlight, with his exceptional save percentage and goals-against average setting him apart from the competition. Despite facing tough contenders like Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers and Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, Hellebuyck’s consistency and impact on his team’s performance make him a strong contender for the MVP title.
In the race for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league’s top defenseman, Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks leads the pack. Hughes, known for his offensive prowess and defensive reliability, has been a force to be reckoned with on the blue line. Challenging him for the title are Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets, both of whom have made significant contributions to their teams’ defensive efforts.
When it comes to the Calder Trophy for the top rookie, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks has been turning heads with his impressive performance. Despite facing stiff competition from Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens and Dustin Wolf of the Calgary Flames, Celebrini’s scoring ability and impact on the ice have positioned him as a frontrunner for the coveted award.
In the Vezina Trophy race for the best goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck’s dominance continues to shine through. With his outstanding stats and crucial role in the Jets’ success, Hellebuyck has garnered overwhelming support from voters. However, Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals and Dustin Wolf of the Calgary Flames are not far behind, showcasing their exceptional skills and resilience in the crease.
The Selke Trophy, which honors the best defensive forward, sees Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers leading the charge. Barkov’s elite defensive abilities and leadership on the ice have earned him praise from voters, positioning him as a top contender for the award. Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils and Sam Reinhart of the Florida Panthers are also in the running, showcasing their defensive prowess and impact on their respective teams.
As the season progresses, the race for these prestigious awards will only intensify, with players vying for recognition and acclaim. With standout performances and exceptional talent on display, the NHL Awards Watch promises to deliver thrilling competition and memorable moments on the ice.
The battle for the Hart, Norris, and Calder Trophies intensifies as the season progresses. Stay tuned as the NHL’s top performers vie for recognition and glory on the ice.
