As the NHL awards are set to take place in Las Vegas on Wednesday night, I take a look at who I think will be bringing home the hardware this season:
Hart Trophy:
1. Nathan MacKinnon (COL) - 74 GP: 39 Goals, 58 Assists, 97 Points, 1.31 Points-Per Game
For those that know me I'm a diehard Avalanche fan, and of course watching MacKinnon turn into an elite superstar this season was amazing to watch. But I'll put my fan bias aside for this award and firmly believe that MacKinnon was the most dominant player in the NHL this season, and certainly most valuable to his team. The Avs had a pathetic 48 points last season, but a remarkable turnaround lead by #29 had the Avs at 95 points and back in the playoffs for the 1st time since 2013. MacKinnon shattered his career-high of 24 goals/63 points this season, lead the NHL with 12 game-winning goals and was 2nd in the NHL with 1.31 points-per game. There's no question in my mind that Nathan MacKinnon is the MVP.
2. Taylor Hall (NJD) - 76 GP: 39 Goals, 54 Assists, 93 Points, 1.22 Points-Per Game
In a similar situation as MacKinnon above, Hall was the driving force on a team that was horrible the year before and returned to the playoffs this season. The Devils had just 70 points last year at the basement of the Eastern Conference, but a quick turnaround lead Hall and some great Ray Shero moves, the Devils found themselves with 97 points and back in the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Hall set career-bests with 39 goals and 93 points this season, and was one of the best players in the NHL this season. If not for MacKinnon and the Avs historic turnaround, the Hart Trophy might have easily been Hall's to win.
3. Anze Kopitar (LAK) - 82 GP: 35 Goals, 57 Assists, 92 Points, 1.12 Points-Per Game
The departure of Darryl Sutter as Head Coach saw some big changes in the Los Angeles this season, most notably long-time Captain Dustin Brown was stripped of his C in favour of the Slovenian superstar Kopitar. The 12-year NHL veteran followed that up with his best NHL season, scoring a career-high 35 goals and 92 points and leading the Kings to 98 points and a WC birth in the playoffs. At age 30, Kopitar logged the most minutes-per game of any forward in the NHL this season, logging an impressive 22:05 per game. He's got some tough competition for the Hart Trophy with MacKinnon and Hall, but it's good to see Kopitar get the recognition he deserves as one of the games premier players.
Honourable Mentions: Claude Giroux (PHI), Nikita Kucherov (TBL), Connor McDavid (EDM), Evgeni Malkin (PIT), Blake Wheeler (WPG)
Vezina Trophy:
1. Pekka Rinne (NSH) - 59 GP: 42-13-4, .927 Save %, 2.31 GAA, 8 Shutouts
After leading the Predators to their 1st Stanley Cup Finals in franchise history last season, Rinne followed it up his best season of his NHL career. Rinne lead all goalies this season with 8 shutouts, and his 42 wins were 2nd to just Vasilevskiy/Hellebuyck. In a very close race for the Vezina Trophy, the 35-year old Finnish goalie is my pick this season.
2. Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - 65 GP: 44-17-3, .919 Save %, 2.61 GAA, 8 Shutouts
After missing the playoffs last season, the Lightning followed it up this year by winning the Atlantic Division and top spot in the Eastern Conference with 113 points. A big reason for that was the play of the 23-year old Russian netminder, who had a career season leading the NHL with 44 wins and 8 shutouts. The Vezina Trophy is the closest race of any of the awards, and Vasilevskiy could easily walk away with the Vezina Trophy come Wednesday night.
3. Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) - 67 GP: 44-11-9, .924 Save %, 2.36 GAA, 6 Shutouts
No goaltender played more games + minutes in the NHL this season than the 25-year old Jets goalie, starting 67 of 82 games for the Jets and logging nearly 4,000 minutes (3,965:54) on the ice this season. Hellebuyck lead all goalies with 44 wins, and his 6 shutouts were 2nd to only Rinne/Vasilevskiy. Much like the two goalies mentioned above, Hellebuyck is equally deserving of the award and very well might win it.
Honourable Mentions: Tuukka Rask (BOS), Freddie Andersen (TOR), Jonathan Quick (LAK), Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ)
Norris Trophy:
1. Drew Doughty (LAK) - 82 GP: 10 Goals, 50 Assists, 60 Points, +23, 26:50 Ice-Time Per Game
After an up-and-down season last year, Drew Doughty returned to superstar form this season with 10 goals and 60 points in 82 games. Doughty lead all defenseman in ice-time this season playing a whopping 26:50 per game and played a key part in the Kings 98 points and return to the playoffs. Doughty is my pick to win his 2nd career Norris Trophy.
2. Victor Hedman (TBL) - 77 GP: 17 Goals, 46 Assists, 63 Points, +32, 25:51 Ice-Time Per Game
After a career-best 72 points last season, Hedman followed it up by leading all defenseman with 17 goals and 5th in points with 63. His 25:51 ice-time per game was 5th in the NHL and his +32 2nd to Josh Manson (+34) among all defenseman. With the Lightning winning the Atlantic Division and finishing best in the Eastern Conference with 113 points, Hedman was an integral part and deserves the recognition. He very well could be walking away with his 1st career Norris Trophy on Wednesday.
3. PK Subban (NSH) - 82 GP: 16 Goals, 43 Assists, 59 Points, +18. 24:07 Ice-Time Per Game
After making the Stanley Cup Finals last season, the Predators followed that up with a franchise best 117 points and their 1st Presidents Trophy. A big part of that was the play of Subban, who enjoyed his best season since being a member of the Canadiens scoring a career-best 16 goals and putting up 59 points in 62 games. The 2013 Norris Trophy winner deserves the recognition and is very much in contention to possibly win his 2nd Norris on Wednesday night.
Honourable Mentions: John Carlson (WSH), John Klingberg (DAL), Brent Burns (SJS)
Calder Trophy:
1. Mat Barzal (NYI) - 82 GP: 22 Goals, 63 Assists, 85 Points, 1.04 Points-Per game
This is a no-brainer choice for me, Matt Barzal is the rookie of the year and it's not even close. After some exciting Calder Trophy races the past few years, Barzal ran away with this year's award putting up a whopping 85 points in 82 games, 20 points above the next rookie. With his electric speed and slick hands, Barzal is making a lot of NHL GMs shake their heads after passing on him in the 2015 NHL Draft (16th overall). This will be the first of many in the hardware department for the 21-year old Islanders superstar.
2. Brock Boeser (VAN) - 62 GP: 29 Goals, 26 Assists, 55 Points, 0.89 Points-Per Game
If not for a back injury that cost him the last 20 games of the season, this might have been a much closer Calder Trophy race than it turned out to be. At the time of his injury Boeser lead all rookies with 29 goals, and finished the season 2nd to Kyle Connor (31) despite playing 14 less games. Boeser is an extremely gifted goal-scorer and has a bright future ahead for the Canucks.
3. Charlie McAvoy (BOS) - 63 GP: 7 Goals, 25 Assists, 32 Points, 22:09 Ice-Time Per Game
I understand that Keller was the 3rd player nominated for the award, and he had an impressive season putting up 23 goals and 65 points in 82 games for the Coyotes. However in my honest opinion, McAvoy should have been nominated and would have if not missing 19 games due to injury. McAvoy was 3rd in rookie scoring among defenseman with 32 points, and lead all rookies playing an impressive 22:09 ice-time per game. The 20-year old American reminds me so much of Drew Doughy and is on the path to being one of the best defenseman in the game today.
Honourable Mentions: *Clayton Keller (ARI, *actually nominated), Kyle Connor (WPG), Yanni Gourde (TBL)
Jack Adams:
1. Gerard Gallant (VGK) - 51-24-7, 109 Points, 1st in Pacific Division
Much like the Calder Trophy, this award is pretty much decided and it's quite obvious that Gallant will win the Jack Adams Trophy this season. The Vegas Golden Knights had perhaps the best inaugural season of any expansion team in pro sports history, winning the Pacific Division with 109 points and going all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. A team full of misfits that no one gave a chance after the expansion draft last summer (500/1 odds to win), Vegas was the best story in sports this year and was a welcoming addition as the NHL's 31st team.
2. Jared Bednar (COL) - 43-30-9, 95 Points, 4th in Central Division (2nd West Wild-Card)
After a disaster 48 points last season in his 1st year as Colorado's Head Coach, Bednar lead a remarkable turnaround coaching the Avs to 95 points and a return to the playoffs for the 1st time since 2013. The Avs 47-point turnaround is the 3rd-best in NHL history, with only the Sharks (58 from 1993 to 1994) and the Nordiques (52 from 1992 to 1993) having more. For a team that no one gave a chance in September, Bednar proved he was the right man for the job and if not for Gallant would easily walk away with the Jack Adams Trophy in any other year.
3. Bruce Cassidy (BOS) - 50-20-12, 112 Points, 2nd in Atlantic Division
When long-time Head Coach Claude Julien was fired late last season, many people wondered what direction the Bruins would head under former Assistant Coach Bruce Cassidy. Cassidy proved to be the right man for the job, coaching the Bruins to 50 wins and 112 points, 2nd in the Atlantic to Tampa Bay. Cassidy paid his dues with over 10 years in the Boston organization, and he has the Bruins in great shape for the future.
Honourable Mentions: Peter Laviolette (NSH), John Hynes (NJD), Paul Maurice (WPG), Jon Cooper (TBL)
Selke Trophy:
1. Patrice Bergeron (BOS) - 64 GP: 30 Goals, 33 Assists, 63 Points, 19:26 Ice-Time Per Game
The reigning Selke Trophy winner is in search of his 5th career win, which would put him past Bob Gainey for most in NHL history. Bergeron scored 30 goals for just the 4th time in his career and had 63 points in 63 games, while logging almost 20 minutes again against top lines across the NHL. He is the favourite for the Selke yet again.
2. Anze Kopitar (LAK) - 82 GP: 35 Goals, 57 Assists, 92 Points, 22:05 Ice-Time Per Game
As mentioned above in the Hart Trophy race, Kopitar had his best seasons this year scoring 35 goals and 92 games while leading all forwards with 22:05 ice-time per game. Much like Bergeron, Kopitar spends a good chunk of his minutes against other teams top lines and could very well win the award this year, which would be the 2nd of his career.
3. Sean Couturier (PHI) - 82 GP: 31 Goals, 45 Assists, 76 Points, 21:36 Ice-Time Per Game
A breakout season for the young Flyers center, Couturier scored a career-best 31 goals and 76 points in 82 games. Playing on the top line with Giroux and Voracek, Couturier's 21:36 ice-time per game was the 3rd most among all forwards in the NHL behind Kopitar and Barkov. While Couturier has it in tough competing with Bergeron and Kopitar, 2 guys up for the Selke every season, it's nice to see him get the recognition for a fantastic year.
Honourable Mentions: Nazem Kadri (TOR), Mikko Koivu (MIN)
GM of the Year:
1. George McPhee (VGK)
Much like was mentioned with Gallant in the Jack Adams race, the job that George McPhee and his staff did assembling the Golden Knights team from the expansion draft was historic. After all no one really gave them a chance at the beginning of the season, and yet they finished just 3 wins shy of a Stanley Cup in their 1st year in the league. McPhee deserves big-time credit for trades that brought in guys like Jonathan Marchessault, Reilly Smith, Alex Tuch to name a few. He is the obvious favourite for GM of the Year
2. Kevin Cheveldayoff (WPG)
The Jets made their 1st Conference Finals in franchise history this season, and the work that Kevin Cheveldayoff has done assembling and young and exciting roster has Winnipeg in prime position for years to come. With a roster of young stars like Mark Scheifele and Patrik Laine, Cheveldayoff made a key move at the deadline adding veteran Paul Stastny who put up 15 points in the playoffs. If not for the dream season in Vegas, Cheveldayoff would be the favourite for GM of the Year.
3. Steve Yzerman (TBL)
After missing the playoffs last season the Lightning roared back with an 113-point campaign and Atlantic Division title, falling just 1 game shy of the Conference Finals. The Lightning saw the emergence of young players like Brayden Point, Yanni Gourde and Mikhail Sergachev (brought in last summer via trade) while Yzerman added Ryan McDonagh and JT Miller in a trade deadline blockbuster. Yzerman is the only GM nominated that has won the award before, winning in 2014/15, and is very much contention this year.
Honourable Mentions: David Poile (NSH), Ray Shero (NJD), Joe Sakic (COL)
Mark Messier Leadership Award:
1. Deryk Engelland (VGK)
While the Golden Knights didn't have a Captain in their inaugural season, the 36-year old journeyman defenseman took a leadership role from day 1. Engelland started his professional hockey career in Vegas in the ECHL, and when tragedy struck the city with a shooting claiming 58 lives, Engelland sprung into action making an emotional speech in their 1st home game (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io4O56G95cY). The city rallied behind the Golden Knights and we all know the magical run they had, Engelland played a huge part in bringing together the group of so called "misfits" as they like to be referred. He is my pick for the Mark Messier Leadership Award this season.
2. Blake Wheeler (WPG)
The longtime Jets Captain had his best season statistically, with 91 points in 81 games leading the Jets to 2nd in the Western Conference with 114 points. Wheeler has become a big mentor for the young Jets stars like Patrik Laine and Mark Scheifele, and was a big part in Winnipeg reaching their 1st Conference Finals in franchise history.
3. Wayne Simmonds (PHI)
Simmonds scored 24 goals and had 46 points in 75 games for the Flyers, his 5th straight season with 24+ goals. Simmonds has been a staple in the Philadelphia community with his charity work, and hosted a different military unity in a private suite every other home game, spending time to met each group after the game. He hosts his "Wayne's Road Hockey Heroes" that he's run every summer since 2012 and has been an assistant captain with the Flyers since 2014.
Honourable Mentions: Sidney Crosby (PIT), Anze Kopitar (LAK), Zdeno Chara (BOS)
Lady Byng Trophy:
1. Ryan O'Reilly (BUF) - 81 GP: 24 Goals, 37 Assists, 61 Points, 2 PIM
O'Reilly played 81 of 82 games this season, and somehow amassed just 1 minor penalty in the process. He has done this twice in his career, doing the same in 2013/14 when he also won the Lady Byng Trophy. He is my pick despite having an up-and-down offensive season.
2. William Karlsson (VGK) - 82 GP: 43 Goals, 35 Assists, 78 Points, 12 PIM
After just 6 goals and 25 points in 81 games last season with Columbus, Karlsson exploded onto the season with Vegas scoring a whopping 43 goals and 78 points in 82 games, while picking up just 6 minor penalties along the way.
3. Aleksander Barkov (FLA) - 79 GP: 27 Goals, 51 Assists, 78 Points, 14 PIM
A career-year for the 22-year old Finnish star, Barkov scored 27 goals and 78 points in 79 games while picking up just 7 minor penalties along the way. Barkov had just 5 minor penalties in 61 games last season, and should be a fixture in the Lady Byng race for years to come.
Honourable Mentions: Vladimir Tarasenko, Mikhail Granlund
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy:
1. Brian Boyle (NJD)
After signing with the Devils last summer, the 33-year old forward was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in training camp, which is a type of bone marrow cancer. Despite the diagnosis Boyle missed just 13 games this season and returned to score 13 goals and 23 points, including appearing in his first ever All-Star Game.
2. Roberto Luongo (FLA)
The 39-year old veteran goaltender has had a decorated NHL career, but he had one of the season's most powerful moments speaking to the crowd at BB&T Center following the Parkland High School shooting that claimed 17 lives. Luongo, a Parkland resident, spoke emotionally but eloquently and gave a city some much needed guidance during a difficult time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjpsAvjY9Io)
3. Jordan Staal (CAR)
The 29-year old Hurricanes forward continued to play this season while dealing with a significant tragedy, as him and his wife Heather's daughter Hannah was delivered stillborn due to a terminal birth defect. Staal missed 3 games and returned to action for the Hurricanes, scoring 19 goals and 46 points in 79 games.
All 31 NHL teams nominations: https://www.nhl.com/news/masterton-trophy-2018-nominees-announced/c-297374474
Ted Lindsay Award:
1. Connor McDavid (EDM) - 82 GP: 41 Goals, 67 Assists, 108 Points, 1.32 Points-Per Game
The reigning Ted Lindsay Award winner, McDavid reached 100 points for the 2nd 2nd straight season and scored 40 goals for the 1st time in his career. He lead all players in points (108) and points-per game (1.32), winning his 2nd straight Art Ross Trophy too. While I think that MacKinnon could easily win the award, McDavid is my pick for the Ted Lindsay this season.
2. Nathan MacKinnon (COL) - 74 GP: 39 Goals, 58 Assists, 97 Points, 1.31 Points-Per Game
As mentioned in the Hart Trophy race, MacKinnon was the most dominant player in the NHL this season putting up a career-high 39 goals and 97 points in 74 games, his 1.31 points-per game just 2nd to McDavid. MacKinnon lead the NHL with 12-game winning goals and was electric every time he took the ice. MacKinnon could easily be walking away with multiple pieces of hardware this Wednesday.
3. Evgeni Malkin (PIT) - 78 GP: 42 Goals, 56 Assists, 98 Points, 1.26 Points-Per Game
Enjoying his best season 2011/12, Malkin scored 42 goals and 98 points in 78 games and his 1.26 points-per game were 3rd behind McDavid and MacKinnon. Speaking of the 2011/12 season, Malkin won the Art Ross, Hart and Ted Lindsay that season and could very well be in contention for the Ted Lindsay this year.
Honourable Mentions: Taylor Hall (NJD), Claude Giroux (PHI), Nikita Kucherov (TBL)
Breakout Player of the Year:
1. William Karlsson (VGK) - 82 GP: 43 Goals, 35 Assists, 78 Points, 0.95 Points-Per Game
After scoring just 6 goals in 81 games with Columbus last year, Karlsson scored a ridiculous 43 goals and 78 points in 82 games with the expansion Golden Knights. What's crazy about Karlsson is he had just 18 goals and 50 points in 183 career NHL games before this year, a relatively unknown player before being drafted by Vegas, clearly George McPhee did his homework...
2. Mikko Rantanen (COL) - 81 GP: 29 Goals, 55 Assists, 84 Points, 1.04 Points-Per Game
While many are talking about the brilliant season of Nathan MacKinnon, we can't overlook how good the 21-year old Finnish playmaker was for the Avs this season. After just 20 goals and 38 points in 75 games in his rookie year, Rantanen exploded out of the gate this season and finished the year with 29 goals and 84 points in 81 games, more than double his point total from the year before. Rantanen has a bright future ahead in Colorado.
3. Sean Couturier (PHI) - 82 GP: 31 Goals, 45 Assists, 76 Points, 0.93 Points-Per Game
As mentioned above in the Selke Trophy race, Couturier enjoyed a career-year playing in the middle of Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek, scoring 31 goals and 76 points in 82 games. Couturier had never topped 15 goals or 40 points in a season before this year, and was one of the best two-way players in the NHL this season.
Honourable Mentions: Josh Bailey (NYI), Brayden Schenn (STL), Brayden Point (TBL)
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Most Disappointing Player of the Year:
1. Carey Price (MTL) - 49 GP: 16-26-7, .900 Save %, 3.11 GAA, 1 Shutout
An injury-riddled year saw Price have perhaps the worst season of his career, with just 16 wins in 49 games and the Canadiens missing the playoffs with just 71 points. Price had a horrid .900 save percentage and 3.11 goals against average, picking up just 1 shutout in 49 games.
2. Max Pacioretty (MTL) - 64 GP: 17 Goals, 20 Assists, 37 Points, 0.58 Points-Per Game
Speaking of struggles in Montreal, Habs Captain Max Pacioretty had his worst season since his rookie year scoring just 17 goals and 37 points in 64 games. Pacioretty had scored 4-straight 30+ goal seasons before this year and really struggled at times, dealing with constant trade talk throughout the season.
3. Craig Anderson (OTT) - 58 GP: 23-25-6, .898 Save %, 3.32 GAA, 2 Shutouts
Continuing the pattern of struggling Canadian teams, after leading the Senators to 1 goal of the Stanley Cup Finals last season, things couldn't have been more opposite this year for Anderson. Despite starting 58 games Anderson won just 23 games, posting a disastrous .898 save percentage and 3.32 goals against average for the worst season of his longtime NHL career.
Honourable Mentions: Brandon Saad (CHI), Duncan Keith (CHI), Cam Talbot (EDM)
Awards already decided:
Rocket Richard Trophy: Alex Ovechkin (WSH) - 49 goals (7-time winner)
Art Ross Trophy: Connor McDavid (EDM) - 108 points (2-time winner)
William M. Jennings Trophy: Jonathan Quick (LAK) - 147 Goals Against (2-time winner)
Joel Forman - The Forman Faceoff
