The 2015/16 NHL Season is officially past the quarter mark, and with that in mind it's time to look at some NHL award trophy races and recognize the players that have made an impact so far this season:
Hart Trophy:
1. Nikita Kucherov (TBL) - 21 GP: 17 Goals, 16 Assists, 33 Points, +11, 13 PP Points
The Lightning are off to an impressive 15-3-2 start, and a huge part of that is thanks to the play of Nikita Kucherov and his NHL-best 17 goals. Dating back to February 21st of last season, Kucherov has an absurd 36 goals and 69 points over his last 43 games. You could make an argument for Kucherov or linemate Steven Stamkos at #1 on this list, but in my opinion Kucherov is playing better than any player in the NHL right now. Expect #86 to be in the Art Ross and Hart Trophy race all season long.
2. Steven Stamkos (TBL) - 21 GP: 10 Goals, 26 Assists, 36 Points, +12, 16 PP Points
As I mentioned with Kucherov above, you can make an equally compelling argument for Steven Stamkos to be in the #1 spot on this list. He leads the NHL with 36 points, and has 19 goals and 56 points over his last 38 games dating back to last season. It remains to be seen if Stamkos can stay healthy all season (played only 17 games last season), but if he can he will be in the running for the Art Ross and Hart Trophy race like his linemate Nikita Kucherov. The Lightning are a dangerous team with #91 healthy.
3. Johnny Gaudreau (CGY) - 21 GP: 10 Goals, 21 Assists, 31 Points, +5, 12 PP Points
The young American star is off to a fantastic start this season, with 10 goals and 31 points in 20 games pacing the Flames to 12-8-0 early on. Gaudreau has put up 60+ points in each of his first 3 NHL seasons (career high 78 points in 2015/16), but could top 80 points this year if he continues the way he is playing. If you don't watch much Flames hockey I would suggest to do so, Johnny Hockey is worth the price of admission alone (and that Jaromir Jagr guy!)
Honourable Mentions: Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ), Brayden Schenn (STL), Jaden Schwartz (STL), Mark Scheifele (WPG), Phil Kessel (PIT)
Vezina Trophy:
1. Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ) - 18 GP: 13-4-1, .936 Save %, 1.91 Goals Against Average, 3 Shutouts
The reigning Vezina Trophy winner is off to a blazing start this season, leading the NHL in goals against average (1.91) and shutouts (3) while being 2nd in wins (13) and save percentage (.936). Bobrovsky is looking to become just the 2nd European goalie in NHL history to win 3 Vezina Trophies (Dominik Hasek - 6) and the first Russian netminder to do so. Expect Bob to be in the Vezina Trophy race all season long.
The reigning Vezina Trophy winner is off to a blazing start this season, leading the NHL in goals against average (1.91) and shutouts (3) while being 2nd in wins (13) and save percentage (.936). Bobrovsky is looking to become just the 2nd European goalie in NHL history to win 3 Vezina Trophies (Dominik Hasek - 6) and the first Russian netminder to do so. Expect Bob to be in the Vezina Trophy race all season long.
2. Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - 18 GP: 15-2-1, .929 Save %, 2.32 Goals Against Average, 1 Shutout
Speaking of another talented Russian netminder, Andrei Vasilevskiy is off to the best start of his young career with an NHL-best 15 wins in 18 games while posting a .929 save percentage (5th) and 2.32 goals against average (5th). With Stamkos and Kucherov off to a ridiculous start, Vasilevskiy might not get the recognition he deserves but make no mistake he's been excellent this season. If he can continue to play this way for the rest of the season expect him to remain in the Vezina Trophy race.
3. Corey Crawford (CHI) - 18 GP: 9-7-1, .932 Save %, 2.23 Goals Against Average, 2 Shutouts
Don't let the wins/losses record fool you, Corey Crawford has been spectacular for the Blackhawks early on this season. The two-time Stanley Cup Champion has a .932 save percentage (3rd) and 2.23 goals against average (4th) while posting 2 shutouts. Despite the fact that the Blackhawks are off to a slow start (10-8-3), Crawford has been fantastic and deserves the recognition.
Honourable Mentions: Pekka Rinne (NSH), Frederik Andersen (TOR), Jonathan Quick (LAK)
Norris Trophy:
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1. Erik Karlsson (OTT) - 15 GP: 1 Goal, 16 Assists, 17 Points, -5, 4 PP Points
Despite the fact that Karlsson missed the first 6 games of the season, and having a chunk of his heel removed in off-season surgery, he hasn't missed a step at all recording 17 points in his first 15 games. Karlsson hasn't won a Norris since 2014/15, losing to Drew Doughty and Brent Burns the last two years despite putting up 82 and 71 points. Many argue that those stats should have Karlsson more than 2 Norris Trophies by now, and I think that this could be a year where #65 runs away with the award.
Despite the fact that Karlsson missed the first 6 games of the season, and having a chunk of his heel removed in off-season surgery, he hasn't missed a step at all recording 17 points in his first 15 games. Karlsson hasn't won a Norris since 2014/15, losing to Drew Doughty and Brent Burns the last two years despite putting up 82 and 71 points. Many argue that those stats should have Karlsson more than 2 Norris Trophies by now, and I think that this could be a year where #65 runs away with the award.
2. Alex Pietrangelo (STL) - 22 GP: 7 Goals, 13 Assists, 20 Points, +11, 6 PP Points
After being named Captain last season, Alex Pietrangelo had one of his best years with the Blues scoring 14 goals and 48 points in 80 games. Flash forward to this season, and he's off to the best start of his career tallying 7 goals and 20 points over his first 22 games. Pietrangelo has always been a steady workhorse defenseman, but he seems to be hitting his prime right now and playing some fantastic hockey. Look for him to be in the running for a potential 1st career Norris Trophy this season.
After being named Captain last season, Alex Pietrangelo had one of his best years with the Blues scoring 14 goals and 48 points in 80 games. Flash forward to this season, and he's off to the best start of his career tallying 7 goals and 20 points over his first 22 games. Pietrangelo has always been a steady workhorse defenseman, but he seems to be hitting his prime right now and playing some fantastic hockey. Look for him to be in the running for a potential 1st career Norris Trophy this season.
3. John Klingberg (DAL) - 22 GP: 4 Goals, 16 Assists, 20 Points, -1, 8 PP Points
The Stars have struggled this season under new Head Coach Ken Hitchcock, sitting at 11-10-1 right now despite the new additions of guys like Alex Radulov, Martin Hanzal and Marc Methot. That hasn't stopped Swedish defensman John Klingberg from a great start to the season, scoring 4 goals and 20 points in his first 22 games (tied with Pietrangelo for 1st among defenseman). Klingberg's career-high in points is 58, and if he continues this pace he's well on his way to a career year and in the running for the Norris Trophy.
The Stars have struggled this season under new Head Coach Ken Hitchcock, sitting at 11-10-1 right now despite the new additions of guys like Alex Radulov, Martin Hanzal and Marc Methot. That hasn't stopped Swedish defensman John Klingberg from a great start to the season, scoring 4 goals and 20 points in his first 22 games (tied with Pietrangelo for 1st among defenseman). Klingberg's career-high in points is 58, and if he continues this pace he's well on his way to a career year and in the running for the Norris Trophy.
Honourable Mentions: Kevin Shattenkirk (NYR), Morgan Rielly (TOR), Victor Hedman (TBL)
Calder Trophy:
1. Brock Boeser (VAN) - 19 GP: 11 Goals, 10 Assists, 21 Points, +2, 9 PP Points
While there has certainly been a lot of talented rookies flashing their skill early this season, none have looked more dominant to me than Canucks winger Brock Boeser. He leads all rookies in goals (11), points (21) and PP points (9) and is the only rookie to be over a point per game so far (21 points in 19 games). Boeser has clicked with linemates Bo Horvat and Sven Baertschi early on this season, and I expect him to match Auston Matthews/Patrik Laine from last season and score 30+ goals as a rookie. He's my Calder Trophy pick right now, and a guy Canucks fans should be ecstatic about having for the foreseeable future in Vancouver.
While there has certainly been a lot of talented rookies flashing their skill early this season, none have looked more dominant to me than Canucks winger Brock Boeser. He leads all rookies in goals (11), points (21) and PP points (9) and is the only rookie to be over a point per game so far (21 points in 19 games). Boeser has clicked with linemates Bo Horvat and Sven Baertschi early on this season, and I expect him to match Auston Matthews/Patrik Laine from last season and score 30+ goals as a rookie. He's my Calder Trophy pick right now, and a guy Canucks fans should be ecstatic about having for the foreseeable future in Vancouver.
2. Clayton Keller (ARI) - 24 GP: 11 Goals, 9 Assists, 20 Points, -11. 6 PP Points
If Boeser isn't the choice for the Calder right now, it has to be Coyotes center Clayton Keller who has been the lone bright spot for the horrid 5-16-3 Coyotes. Keller is tied with Boeser leading all rookies with 11 goals, while being 2nd in points with 20. Despite being undersized (5'10 168 pounds), Keller has shown offensive instincts similar to Johnny Gaudreau and Patrick Kane and is going to be an elite player for years to come. Even with the Coyotes likely finishing 31st in the NHL, Keller will remain in the Calder Trophy hunt all season.
If Boeser isn't the choice for the Calder right now, it has to be Coyotes center Clayton Keller who has been the lone bright spot for the horrid 5-16-3 Coyotes. Keller is tied with Boeser leading all rookies with 11 goals, while being 2nd in points with 20. Despite being undersized (5'10 168 pounds), Keller has shown offensive instincts similar to Johnny Gaudreau and Patrick Kane and is going to be an elite player for years to come. Even with the Coyotes likely finishing 31st in the NHL, Keller will remain in the Calder Trophy hunt all season.
3. Charlie McAvoy (BOS) - 20 GP: 2 Goals, 8 Assists, 10 Points, -4, 3 PP Points
My pre-season pick for the Calder Trophy, McAvoy has looked well beyond his age of 19 playing for the Boston Bruins this season. While McAvoy has 2 goals and 10 points in 20 games, it's his defensive play that has him turning heads among NHL players and fans. He's the only rookie to average over 20 minutes per game, playing a whopping 23:27 on the top pair with Zdeno Chara. McAvoy reminds me of Drew Doughty in every way, and he's going to be a stud defenseman for years and years to come. Expect him to get strong consideration for the Calder Trophy at season's end.
My pre-season pick for the Calder Trophy, McAvoy has looked well beyond his age of 19 playing for the Boston Bruins this season. While McAvoy has 2 goals and 10 points in 20 games, it's his defensive play that has him turning heads among NHL players and fans. He's the only rookie to average over 20 minutes per game, playing a whopping 23:27 on the top pair with Zdeno Chara. McAvoy reminds me of Drew Doughty in every way, and he's going to be a stud defenseman for years and years to come. Expect him to get strong consideration for the Calder Trophy at season's end.
Honourable Mentions: Matt Barzal (NYI), Will Butcher (NJD), Alex Kerfoot (COL), Nico Hischier (NJD), Mikhail Sergachev (TBL)
Jack Adams Trophy:
1. Mike Yeo (STL) - Record: 16-5-1
Many questioned the direction the Blues were going after firing Ken Hitchcock last season, but what a transition the team has gone through under Mike Yeo and they are off to a fantastic 16-5-1 start this season. Yeo lead the Blues to the 2nd round of the playoffs last year after taking over for Hitchcock, and with an improved roster (Brayden Schenn has been terrific) and strong play from netminder Jake Allen they are in prime position for their 1st Central division title since 2014/15.
Many questioned the direction the Blues were going after firing Ken Hitchcock last season, but what a transition the team has gone through under Mike Yeo and they are off to a fantastic 16-5-1 start this season. Yeo lead the Blues to the 2nd round of the playoffs last year after taking over for Hitchcock, and with an improved roster (Brayden Schenn has been terrific) and strong play from netminder Jake Allen they are in prime position for their 1st Central division title since 2014/15.
2. John Cooper (TBL) - Record: 16-3-2
With a healthy Steven Stamkos and a re-tooled lineup full of young stars, John Cooper has the Lightning off to an NHL-best 16-3-2 to start the season. Cooper has the Lightning playing almost unbeatable right now, including the the Kucherov-Stamkos duo combining for 69 points in 21 games. He could become just the 2nd coach in Lightning history to win the Jack Adams Trophy (John Tortorella - 2004) and has the Lightning in prime contention for an Atlantic division title and potentially the Presidents Trophy at season's end.
With a healthy Steven Stamkos and a re-tooled lineup full of young stars, John Cooper has the Lightning off to an NHL-best 16-3-2 to start the season. Cooper has the Lightning playing almost unbeatable right now, including the the Kucherov-Stamkos duo combining for 69 points in 21 games. He could become just the 2nd coach in Lightning history to win the Jack Adams Trophy (John Tortorella - 2004) and has the Lightning in prime contention for an Atlantic division title and potentially the Presidents Trophy at season's end.
3. Travis Green (VAN) - Record: 11-8-3
Perhaps the biggest surprise on this list, new Canucks Head Coach Travis Green has Vancouver off to an impressive 11-8-3 start this season. Green played 14 seasons in the NHL, while coaching 3 years in Portland of the WHL (won championship in 2012/13) and the past 4 years as Head Coach of the Canucks farm team in Utica prior to being hired by the Canucks. With a young exciting lineup featuring Brock Boeser and Bo Horvat, the Canucks are on the right track and look rejuvenated under Green. With the trend of coaches turning around bad teams and winning Jack Adams Trophies in recent years (Roy - Avs, Hartley- Flames, Gallant - Panthers), look for Green to remain in contention as long as the Canucks keep up their play.
Perhaps the biggest surprise on this list, new Canucks Head Coach Travis Green has Vancouver off to an impressive 11-8-3 start this season. Green played 14 seasons in the NHL, while coaching 3 years in Portland of the WHL (won championship in 2012/13) and the past 4 years as Head Coach of the Canucks farm team in Utica prior to being hired by the Canucks. With a young exciting lineup featuring Brock Boeser and Bo Horvat, the Canucks are on the right track and look rejuvenated under Green. With the trend of coaches turning around bad teams and winning Jack Adams Trophies in recent years (Roy - Avs, Hartley- Flames, Gallant - Panthers), look for Green to remain in contention as long as the Canucks keep up their play.
Honourable Mentions: Mike Babcock (TOR), John Hynes (NJD), Gerard Gallant (VGK), Peter Laviolette (NSH), John Stevens (LAK)
Breakout Player:
1. Brayden Schenn (STL) - 22 GP: 10 Goals, 20 Assists, 30 Points, +19, 8 PP Points
In a somewhat surprising move the Flyers dealt Brayden Schenn Blus this past summer, and a fresh start has Schenn playing the best hockey of his career so far with 10 goals and 30 points in his first 22 games. Schenn has been dynamite with new linemates Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz, who have a combined 86 points in 22 games making them the 2nd highest scoring line in the NHL (Namestnikov-Stamkos-Kucherov - 90 points).
In a somewhat surprising move the Flyers dealt Brayden Schenn Blus this past summer, and a fresh start has Schenn playing the best hockey of his career so far with 10 goals and 30 points in his first 22 games. Schenn has been dynamite with new linemates Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz, who have a combined 86 points in 22 games making them the 2nd highest scoring line in the NHL (Namestnikov-Stamkos-Kucherov - 90 points).
2. Sean Couturier (PHI) - 22 GP: 12 Goals, 11 Assists, 23 Points, +13, 3 PP Points
Speaking of surprising moves by the Flyers, before the season Head Coach Dave Hakstol moved Captain Claude Giroux from center to left wing in hopes of revitalizing his offensive game, shifting Sean Couturier to center between Giroux and Voracek. Couturier has responded with the best start of his career, scoring 12 goals and 23 points in the his first 22 games while that line has a combined 73 points (3rd highest scoring in the NHL). Couturier has never topped 15 goals or 39 points in a season, so he's well on his way to shattering career-highs in goals and points by season's end.
Speaking of surprising moves by the Flyers, before the season Head Coach Dave Hakstol moved Captain Claude Giroux from center to left wing in hopes of revitalizing his offensive game, shifting Sean Couturier to center between Giroux and Voracek. Couturier has responded with the best start of his career, scoring 12 goals and 23 points in the his first 22 games while that line has a combined 73 points (3rd highest scoring in the NHL). Couturier has never topped 15 goals or 39 points in a season, so he's well on his way to shattering career-highs in goals and points by season's end.
3. Vladislav Namestnikov (TBL) - 21 GP: 9 Goals, 12 Assists, 21 Points, +9, 8 PP Points
Another guy off to a fast-start on a lethal top line, Namestnikov has 9 goals and 21 points in 21 games while playing alongside Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov (NHL's highest scoring line). Namestnikov has never topped 15 goals or 40 points in a season, so much like Couturier the 1st line promotion has him well on his way to shattering career-highs in goals and points by season's end.
Another guy off to a fast-start on a lethal top line, Namestnikov has 9 goals and 21 points in 21 games while playing alongside Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov (NHL's highest scoring line). Namestnikov has never topped 15 goals or 40 points in a season, so much like Couturier the 1st line promotion has him well on his way to shattering career-highs in goals and points by season's end.
Honourable Mentions: Anthony Mantha (DET), Teuvo Teravainen (CAR), Sven Baertschi (VAN)
Most Disappointing Player:
1. Carey Price (MTL) - 11 GP: 3-7-1, .877 Save Percentage, 3.77 Goals Against Average, 0 Shutouts
There hasn't been a bigger disappointment in the NHL this season than Carey Price, with just 3 wins in 11 starts and a brutal .877 save percentage and 3.77 goals against average. The Canadiens are off to a horrible 8-12-3 start, and with Price struggling the fact that they aren't scoring goals isn't even their biggest issue. Price has always been a safety blanket for the Habs, but this season has been a tire fire so far and has left lots of questions of uncertainty in Montreal.
2. Brent Burns (SJS) - 20 GP: 0 Goals, 8 Assists, 8 Points, -6, 4 PP Points
If Price isn't the biggest disappointment in the NHL, it has to be the reigning Norris Trophy winner in Brent Burns. After a career-high 29 goals and 76 points last season, Burns has yet to score this season and has just 8 assists in 20 games. I don't expect this to last and know that Burns is capable of finding his scoring touch again, but for now it's an area of concern for Pete DeBoer and the Sharks.
If Price isn't the biggest disappointment in the NHL, it has to be the reigning Norris Trophy winner in Brent Burns. After a career-high 29 goals and 76 points last season, Burns has yet to score this season and has just 8 assists in 20 games. I don't expect this to last and know that Burns is capable of finding his scoring touch again, but for now it's an area of concern for Pete DeBoer and the Sharks.
3. Joe Pavelski (SJS) - 20 GP: 4 Goals, 5 Assists, 9 Points, -3, 1 PP Point
Speaking of the Sharks, Captain Joe Pavelski is off to the slowest start of his career with just 4 goals and 9 points in 20 games this season. Pavelski has scored at least 29 goals in 4 straight seasons, and much like Burns we know that he is very capable of getting hot and finding his scoring touch again. For now it remains to be seen if the Sharks Captain can get it going again, luckily for him the Sharks are 11-8-1 and playing well otherwise.
Speaking of the Sharks, Captain Joe Pavelski is off to the slowest start of his career with just 4 goals and 9 points in 20 games this season. Pavelski has scored at least 29 goals in 4 straight seasons, and much like Burns we know that he is very capable of getting hot and finding his scoring touch again. For now it remains to be seen if the Sharks Captain can get it going again, luckily for him the Sharks are 11-8-1 and playing well otherwise.
Honourable Mentions: Cam Talbot (EDM), Max Pacioretty (MTL), Cam Atkinson (CBJ)
Selke Trophy:
1. Patrice Bergeron (BOS)
2. Anze Kopitar (LAK)
3. Nazem Kadri (TOR)
Mark Messier Leadership Award:
1. Steven Stamkos (TBL)
2. Alex Pietrangelo (STL)
3. Blake Wheeler (WPG)
GM of the Year Award:
1. Doug Armstrong (STL)
2. Ray Shero (NJD)
3. Stan Bowman (CHI)
Rocket Richard Trophy (current):
1. Nikita Kucherov - 17 goals
2. John Tavares - 15 goals
3. Alex Ovechkin - 14 goals
Art Ross Trophy (current):
1. Steven Stamkos - 36 points
2. Nikita Kucherov - 33 points
3. Johnny Gaudreau - 31 points
-Joel Forman - The Forman Faceoff
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