Tonight is the NHL Awards, an event that no one usually pays that much attention to, but this year is different. The Vegas Golden Knights will be announcing their roster throughout the ceremony. But we’re not here for more expansion talk, we’re here to talk about the awards and who’s going to win them.
Masterton Trophy — Perseverance, Sportsmanship and Dedication to Hockey
Nominees:
Craig Anderson (OTT), Andrew Cogliano (ANA), Derek Ryan (CAR)
Predictions:
To me, this one seems open and shut. The Craig Anderson story was heartbreaking, and to see him come back to the team, and backstop them to Game 7 against the Pittsburgh Penguins against all odds, is too good of a story to ignore. Not to discount the other two nominees, but to do what Craig Anderson did with the constant thought of losing his wife, is amazing.
Lady Byng Trophy — Most Gentlemanly Player
Nominees:
Johnny Gaudreau (CGY), Vladimir Tarasenko (STL), Mikael Grandlund (MIN)
Predictions:
Literally no idea. I’d flip a coin, but there’s three nominees.
Jack Adams Award — Coach of the Year
Nominees:
Mike Babcock (TOR), Todd McLellan (EDM), John Tortorella (CBJ)
Predictions:
It *has* to be Babcock right? What the Leafs did with such a young roster is insanely impressive. Yeah he has Auston Matthews, but McLellan has Connor McDavid. Who is, well, Connor McDavid. Essentially a human cheat code.
Torts deserves some credit though too. Columbus was supposed to be in the basement, but were in the running for the President’s Trophy. He should definitely get a look.
Selke Trophy — Best Defensive Forward
Nominees:
Patrice Bergeron (BOS), Ryan Kesler (ANA), Mikko Koivu (MIN)
Predictions:
Just give it to Bergeron and move on. Give him his fifth. He deserves it.
Vezina Trophy — Best Goaltender
Nominees:
Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ), Carey Price (MTL), Braden Holtby (WSH)
Predictions:
This one is probably the closest race on here. You can make a really good case for any of them. My pick has to go to Bob though. He was a key reason for the Blue Jackets’ amazing season. Price and Holtby are still really, really good though.
Calder Trophy — Best Rookie
Nominees:
Auston Matthews (TOR), Patrik Laine (WPG), Zach Werenski (CBJ)
Predictions:
It’s going to be Auston Matthews. It’s really obvious that he’s going to win. But I don’t think he should win. I also don’t think Laine should win either. That’s right. Zach Werenski should absolutely win the Calder. It’s far harder to come into the league as a defenseman, and Werenski has already established himself as a really good number one defenseman in the league at the age of 20.
Not to discount the accomplishments of the other two, but Werenski isn’t getting enough credit.
Norris Trophy — Best Defenseman
Nominees:
Erik Karlsson (OTT), Victor Hedman (TBL), Brent Burns (SJS)
Predictions:
Karlsson. Karlsson. And also Karlsson. There’s no other choice. Hedman is great, and Burns is an amazing offensive force, but it’s Erik Karlsson. He’s just on another level.
Ted Lindsay Award — Most Valuable Player as voted by the NHLPA
Nominees:
Sidney Crosby (PIT), Connor McDavid (EDM), Brent Burns (SJS)
Predictions:
Both of the MVP races are between McDavid and Crosby. I think McDavid should get both. He single-handedly took a mediocre Oilers team, and yes, without him they’re pretty mediocre, to the second round of the playoffs.
I do think Crosby gets this one though. Just a reputation thing.
Hart Trophy — Most Valuable Player
Nominees:
Sidney Crosby (PIT), Connor McDavid (EDM), Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ)
Predictions:
This one has to go to McDavid, right? He is clearly the most valuable player in the league. I will be very unhappy if McDavid doesn’t win either of these. And not just because I can’t stand the Penguins. I swear. Connor McDavid is a human cheat code. Give him some hardware.
Are you excited for tonight’s awards? Or do you just care about the Expansion Roster? Do you agree with my predictions? Let us know down in the comments!
