With another hockey season done and dusted its time to divert attention slightly to the 2018 NHL Awards. The finalists are to be announced day by day starting April 17 with the Vezina Trophy Finalists. It is an opportune time for discussion and predictions on who will receive the honours this year.
2018 NHL Awards Top Contenders
Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is awarded to the goalie adjudged to have had the best overall season across the NHL.
This year finalists have never been nominated before and are representing record-breaking teams this season.
Pekka Rinne
It is no surprise that the Nashville Predators goalie is a finalist for this award. The 35-year-old Finn is a strong contender. He had the second-best season of his career, putting up a .927 save percentage and 2.31 goals against average. Rinne was also third in the league with 42 wins behind Connor Hellebuyck and Andrei Vasilevskiy (44 each), who are also nominated. Hence the NHL All-Star was instrumental to the Predators achieving their first Presidents’ Trophy and team records for wins at 53 and 117 points.
Andrei Vasilevskiy
The young Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender has had a tremendous season with a career-high of 44 wins and starting in 64 games. Filling the skates of Ben Bishop and achieving a career best of .929 sv% and 2.62 GAA. The 23-year-old Russian is tied with Rinne for the League lead with eight shutouts. This is impressive if you consider the gap in experience levels. If Vasilevsky wins the Vezina Trophy he will be the first Lightning goalie in history to do so.
Connor Hellebuyck
Hellebuyck is the first Vezina Trophy finalist in Winnipeg Jets/ Atlanta Thrashers history. The Jets have surpassed all expectations this year coming second in the Central Division. This is partly due to young players like Hellebuyck injecting skill and enthusiasm into the team this season. Like the other nominees, the 24-year-old has had a career-high with a .924 sv% and 2.36 GAA. The American native is not to be underestimated. With 44 wins Hellebuyck broke Tom Barrasso‘s record for most by a United States-born goaltender.
Predicted Winner: Rinne
Frank J. Selke Trophy
The Frank J. Selke Trophy is given to the forward who exhibits the best defensive ability. Although not known as the most glamorous of Awards it still warrants a great deal of discussion. There are many valued contenders to consider.
Patrice Bergeron
It would be disrespectful to not mention Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins. Despite a late-season injury, the 32-year-old veteran totalled 63 points this season. Known as one of the most disciplined and best defensive forwards in the game, Bergeron is always in contention for the Selke.
Although a lower Corsi For Percentage of 57.3 than last season its more evidence to prove the four-time Selke Trophy winner is an influential member of the team, often playing better when he is on the ice. It remains to be seen if Bergeron has done enough to get the coveted trophy this year. It seems unlikely but its certainly worthy of consideration.
Anze Kopitar
With Bergeron perhaps out of the running, it gives the opportunity for players such as Kopitar to come forward. The Los Angeles Kings veteran has been nominated six times for the Selke trophy, winning in 2016. Kopitar has had a productive offensive season, scoring 35 goals, 57 assists totalling an impressive 92 points. It was due to the efforts of Kopitar that gave the Kings a Wild Card Spot for the playoffs. Although a relatively low CF% of 53.1, the 30-year-old’s defensive/offensive awareness is difficult to match.
Sean Couturier
The Philidelphia Flyers forward should not be disconcerted. Couturier is benefitting greatly playing with Claude Giroux this season. Couturier boasts a solid 53.5 percent Corsi For percentage and is productive offensively with 63 points in 69 games. The 25-year-old is a contender with strong statistics to hold his own. Although rumoured in previous years to be a Selke trophy finalist, Couturier has a real chance this year.
Predicted Winner: Kopitar
James Norris Trophy
Given to the defenseman who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position.
Victor Hedman
The Tampa Bay defenseman is a firm favourite for the Norris Trophy this year. Becoming a finalist for the first time last year, Hedman looks to win the prize this year. Hedman led the NHL (tied with two others) in goals among defencemen with 17. He added 46 assists for 63 points this season. Hedman boasted an impressive +/- of 32. On top of his ability to produce goals, he has earned a reputation as a shutdown defenseman, putting him rightly in the running with the other two names on this list.
Drew Doughty
A career high for the Canadian forward this season is reason enough for the Kings defensemen. With 10 goals, 50 assists for 60 points, he is by far the strongest contender bar Hedman. The 28-year-old is considered one of the Star defencemen in the league, with an effective shutdown presence and slick passing.
John Carlson
The Washington Capitals have a strong season because of offensive defencemen like Carlson. The 28-year-old has produced 15 goals and 53 assists for 68 points. Although not your standard shutdown defensemen, the intimidating American has been the saving grace in the Capitals weak defence. Although considered for the Norris Trophy before, this year he should be a real contender.
P.K. Subban
The Nashville Predators defenceman helped his team to a President’s Trophy finish as the top team in the NHL. Subban put up 16 goals and 59 points for the Predators this season, finishing as the team’s top scoring defenceman. He already has one Norris Trophy under his belt, and has been nominated one other time.
Predicted Winner: Hedman
Lady Byng Trophy
The Lady Byng Memorial Trophy is given to the player who exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability. However, the playing ability and statistics play a huge role in this finalist decision.
Johnny Gaudreau
This Calgary Flames forward is no stranger to Byng trophy buzz. Gaudreau has had a career-best with 24 goals, 60 assists for 84. The team on a whole, however, have had a poor season. Failing to clinch a playoff spot. Although Gaudreau performance and play are not in question, with more famous names on the list this year, he may fail to impact.
Auston Matthews
Matthews had, without doubt, an outstanding rookie season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This year is no different, with 34 goals, 29 assists for 63 points. Lower than last season, but what makes the NHL All-Star a contender for this trophy is his maturity level and sportsmanship. Always a media favourite it will be no surprise if Matthews comes away with the trophy. He put up just 12 penalty minutes this season.
Ryan O’Reilly
Although the Buffalo Sabres have had another disappointing season. O’Reilly, however, has had one of his best, finishing up with the second-most points of his career. There are many reasons why the 26-year-old should be a contender for this trophy. O’Reilly had just two penalty minutes this year, taking a single minor penalty.
Predicted winner: O’Reilly
Calder Memorial Trophy
The Calder Memorial Trophy is given to the best player in their rookie season, and there are many to choose from. This season has injected a variety of exciting young players into the league. But injuries may play a big factor in the decision.Three players that have demanded attention are as follows.
Brock Boeser
Despite an injury, Boeser ends the season as one of the top rookies in the league. The 21-year-old’s production for the Vancouver Canucks has been outstanding. Achieving 29 goals, 26 assists totalling 55 points. If the All-Star MVP had remained healthy, the Canuck winger could have eclipsed 30 goals and 60 points. Easily keeping him near the top of the rookie charts. Although these impressive stats still may not be enough to clinch this award with such tough contenders.
Charlie McAvoy
McAvoy also had a late-season injury, that can hinder his contention for the trophy. McAvoy, who made his NHL debut for the Bruins in last season’s playoffs and more than held his own, has seven goals and 25 assists in 59 games this season.
Coming into the season, the Bruins aimed to be rebuilding around players like McAvoy. They have the second-most points in the Eastern Conference and have dominated during the latter part of the season.
Mathew Barzal
Few would have thought at the start of the season that the New York Islander rookie was to have such a prolific season. At 22 goals, 63 assists totaling 85 points, the 20-year-old has surpassed even Auston Mathews first season points per game production. At 85 points Barzal has equaled Evgeni Malkin rookie high season of 2006-07. Based on these statistics alone its a safe bet that Barzal is the strongest contender.
Predicted winner: Barzal
Jack Adams Award
Presented to the coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team’s success.
These three contenders come as no surprise for this award. They have been instrumental in building and leading their teams to success. It is a tough choice this year.
Gerard Gallant
Expectations for the newest expansion team were beyond low for the Vegas Golden Knights coming into this season. No one expected them to get near to beating established teams such as the Anaheim Ducks or San Jose Sharks. Nevermind being top of the Pacific Division and breaking almost every first-year franchise record possible. Gallant was given an impossible task, but with a balance of experience, enthusiasm, and good judgment, he has achieved the impossible. Its clear from Mid-Season that Gallant has done enough to be given this coveted award.
Jon Cooper
There are other Coaches this season that deserve a mention for their achievements. Although the Lightning are no stranger to season success, they have gone to another level this year. Cooper is the second-longest tenured coach, with only Chicago’s BlackHawks Joel Quenneville. Lightning missed the playoffs last season, which was a wake-up call. Cooper’s down to earth attitude and versatility allowed the Lightning to be a dominating force.
Paul Maurice
The Winnipeg Jets head coach should not be disregarded as a contender. The Canadian native has achieved so much this year. Taking a young band of players and turning them into a real threat in the league, is no mean feat. Although his efforts may not be enough to pip Gallant from his award-winning achievements, he still deserves recognition of a true contender for the award.
Predicted Winner: Gallant
Hart Memorial Trophy/Ted Lindsay Award
The Hart Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the player judged to be the most valuable to his team.
This trophy is considered the most sort after and a highly valued award for any player. This year has numerous contenders that are all valuable to their perspective teams.
Meanwhile, the Ted Lindsay Award is the only award voted on by the other players in the league. It is to be awarded to the league’s most outstanding player.
Nikita Kucherov
The Russian forward has been vital to the Lightning’s success this season. The Steven Stamkos-Kucherov combination has been formidable. With Kucherov tallying 39 goals and 61 assists for 100 points. These impressive statistics make him third in the NHL in points. Clearly based on this alone Kucherov is a real contender for this trophy.
Nathan MacKinnon
Colorado Avalanche star has been compared to the likes of Sidney Crosby during his time in the NHL. The 22-year-old has been indispensable to his team this year with 39 goals, 58 assists totaling 97 points. What makes him a solid contender is not just his statistics but the way he plays. The Canadian forward is dynamic and has a presence on and off the ice. While he is considered an underdog against likes of Kucherov or even Connor McDavid, MacKinnon’s importance to the Avalanche cannot be ignored.
Alex Ovechkin
It is appropriate to mention the hockey superstar, if purely just for a bias opinion. Considering there are so many outstanding contenders for the Hart Trophy, the Russian goal machine may miss out. But it been an impressive season for a 32-year old veteran, who some critics suggested was slowing down. Ovechkin answered his critics by netting 49 goals and claiming the Rocket Richard Trophy. He also led the Capitals to the Metropolitan Division title.
Connor McDavid
Last year’s winner, McDavid put together another impressive season. With 41 goals and 108 points on the year, McDavid is taking home another Art Ross Trophy. Few would argue that McDavid was the best player in the NHL this season, but with the Edmonton Oilers missing the playoffs, there is a question if he is the most valuable player.
Taylor Hall
Hall had 39 goals and 93 points in 76 games for the New Jersey Devils, he led the team to an unexpected playoff spot. Hall had an impressive point scoring streak this year, that garnered headlines. Perhaps what is most impressive is that Hall led his team in scoring by 41 points. The Devils entire offence is centred around Hall, and without him they are nowhere near the playoffs.
Prediction: Hall takes the Hart for most valuable, McDavid takes the Lindsay for most outstanding.
