2013-14 NHL Awards Predictions

In last year’s shortened season we got to see Alex Ovechkin claim his third Hart Trophy as the most valuable player in the league and Sergei Bobrovsky lead the Columbus Blue Jackets to the playoffs with his Vezina Trophy-winning performance in the crease. Now in the 82-game season with an abundance of powerful rookies that joined the NHL, why not give some predictions on who will capture the titles of the major league awards in the 2013-14 season? With our season now through the first 15 or so games (depending on the team) it seems a great time to to get started…

Art Ross (Most Points): Sidney Crosby- Pittsburgh

It is pretty much a landslide that Crosby will get most overall points. He has dominated the league ever since he joined and has been not only one of the top goal scorers but also near the top in assists. Crosby probably won’t win in the Rocket Richard category but the Ross is something that Crosby has the capability to win. The only thing that could potentially lose the young gun this award is another freak-show injury. Runner ups: Patrick Kane-CHI and Alex Ovechkin-WAS.

Hart (League MVP): Sidney Crosby-Pittsburgh or John Tavares- NYI

This was simply too hard for me to pick, even if it may be easy for some. Although Crosby has had a reputation for his temper tantrums, he is also arguably one of the best players in the NHL, whereas as Tavares is a class-act guy with tons of talent. If I had to choose however I would think Tavares would grab this trophy because he will most likely lead his team into the playoffs in one of the best divisions as his first year as captain. Runner ups: Jonathan Towes-CHI or Alexander Steen-STL.

Norris (Best Defenseman): Ryan Suter-Minnesota

Without a doubt, Ryan Suter is the best all-around defenseman in the NHL. He can pass and shoot, carry the puck, and when it comes to overall defensive play his tops the charts.Whether he is blocking shots or breaking up passes, Suter has the capability to shutdown his opponents. This award won’t come easy though, this will be one of the closest competitions and if he slacks off just a little bit he may just lose his chance. Runner ups: Shea Weber-NSH, Erik Karlsson-OTT, PK Subban-MTL and Kris Letang-PIT.

Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year): Seth Jones-Nashville

This is also a difficult one as well. Between Mackinnon, Jones, and Drouin I would say Jones will capture the Calder because of how well he looks within Trotz system. Playing alongside Shea Weber could also become a booster for the rookie. If he is able to live up to his rankings and draft number (which should’ve been higher) Jones will have no problem being named as the top rookie in the 2013-14 NHL season. Runner ups: Thomas Hertl – SJS and Nathan Mackinnon-COL

Frank Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward): Patrice Bergeron- Boston

If you want grit and points combined into one player, Patrice Bergeron is the person you need. It was shown also in the playoffs last season, the Bruins had a tendency to rely on Bergeron and he lived up to all their expectations. Even though many thought Bergeron would have won this award last year and not Jonathan Toews, he should have the best shot to win it this time. Runner ups: Pavel Datsyuk-DET and Loui Eriksson-BOS

Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender): Jonathan Quick- Los Angeles

Despite everyone expecting him to not live up to standards after a rough start this season, I think Quick will prove them wrong, turn his season around and bring his team deep into the playoffs. Although I don’t think they will be able to get passed San Jose they will have some time in the postseason. Quick has a wide range of players that will be able to help him along the way. Runner ups: Pekka Rinne- NSH and Antti Niemi-SJS

Rocket Richard (Top Goal Scorer): Alex Ovechkin- Washington

Not much of a surprise here, Ovechkin has always found his way to make it into the top goal scorers within the league each year. He has the power to do so and after some tweaking into the Capitals line up by coach Adam Oates, I don’t see how Ovechkin could lose this one. Runner ups: Steven Stamkos-TB and Sidney Crosby-PIT

Jack Adams (Coach of the Year): Mike Babcock- Detroit

This will probably be the most difficult award to predict based on two reasons. A majority of the vote will be based on how well the team does and there is so many good coaches that you could choose from that it becomes almost a puzzle to pick between them. I think Babcock will win this season due to his incredible leadership and his ability to bring his team a win when it is needed. Runner ups: Ken Hitchcock-STL, Patrick Roy-COL and Barry Trotz-NSH

Yes, these are in fact predictions and do not mean that they will be true, but it is definitely something to look back on in June or July and have that “WHY THE HECK DID I CHOOSE THEM” moment. Needless to say, a full season is a full season and I will take whatever I can get.

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