{"id":494805,"date":"2026-03-09T13:48:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T13:48:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/494805\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T13:48:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T13:48:13","slug":"nhl-awards-watch-whos-leading-for-hart-norris-calder-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/494805\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Awards Watch: Who&#8217;s leading for Hart, Norris, Calder?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao MvWXB TjIXL aGjvy ebVHC \"><br class=\" \"\/>The <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/48043649\/nhl-trade-deadline-2026-latest-contracts-rumors-grades-players\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">NHL trade deadline<\/a> has passed, and the sprint to the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs has arrived.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Where teams finish in the standings can impact how voters select their NHL Award winners. As we see in this month&#8217;s NHL Awards Watch, that&#8217;s especially true for a <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/47909922\/nhl-olympics-2026-macklin-celebrini-sharks-canada-sidney-crosby\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">young superstar<\/a> with the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/sj\/san-jose-sharks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">San Jose Sharks<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Welcome to the NHL Awards Watch for March. We&#8217;ve polled a wide selection of Professional Hockey Writers Association voters anonymously to get a sense of who has the edge among the current leaders. We&#8217;ve made sure it&#8217;s a cross-section from the entire league, trying to gain as many perspectives as possible.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Keep in mind that the PHWA votes for the Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke and Lady Byng finalists, broadcasters vote for the Jack Adams and general managers vote for the Vezina.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">All stats are from <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Hockey-Reference.com<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.naturalstattrick.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Natural Stat Trick<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/evolving-hockey.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Evolving Hockey<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Jump ahead:<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/48148079\/2025-26-nhl-awards-watch-ranking-ballots-hart-norris-calder-vezina-selke#ross\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ross<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/48148079\/2025-26-nhl-awards-watch-ranking-ballots-hart-norris-calder-vezina-selke#richard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Richard<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/48148079\/2025-26-nhl-awards-watch-ranking-ballots-hart-norris-calder-vezina-selke#hart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Hart<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/48148079\/2025-26-nhl-awards-watch-ranking-ballots-hart-norris-calder-vezina-selke#norris\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Norris<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/48148079\/2025-26-nhl-awards-watch-ranking-ballots-hart-norris-calder-vezina-selke#selke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Selke<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/48148079\/2025-26-nhl-awards-watch-ranking-ballots-hart-norris-calder-vezina-selke#vezina\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Vezina<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/48148079\/2025-26-nhl-awards-watch-ranking-ballots-hart-norris-calder-vezina-selke#calder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Calder<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/48148079\/2025-26-nhl-awards-watch-ranking-ballots-hart-norris-calder-vezina-selke#byng\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Byng<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/48148079\/2025-26-nhl-awards-watch-ranking-ballots-hart-norris-calder-vezina-selke#adams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Adams<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1745752389_797_greyline.png\"\/>Art Ross Trophy (points leader)<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \"><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/stats\/player\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Click here for the updated point-scoring standings<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Maurice &#8216;Rocket&#8217; Richard Trophy<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \"><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/stats\/player\/_\/view\/skating\/table\/offensive\/sort\/goals\/dir\/desc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Click here for the updated goal-scoring standings<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Hart Trophy (MVP)<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Leader: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3041969\/nathan-mackinnon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nathan MacKinnon<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/col\/colorado-avalanche\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Finalists: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5206628\/macklin-celebrini\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Macklin Celebrini<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/sj\/san-jose-sharks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">San Jose Sharks<\/a>; <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/2563060\/nikita-kucherov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nikita Kucherov<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/tb\/tampa-bay-lightning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a>\/<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3895074\/connor-mcdavid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Connor McDavid<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/edm\/edmonton-oilers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Edmonton Oilers<\/a> (tie)<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">MacKinnon has led the Hart Trophy race for four straight months, and rightfully so. The Avalanche have led the league in points since October, and MacKinnon has been the engine behind that success.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">MacKinnon has 104 points in 61 games, including an NHL-best 43 goals. He leads <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5798\/brock-nelson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Brock Nelson<\/a>by 13 goals and tops teammate<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4233586\/martin-necas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Martin Necas<\/a>by 28 points. MacKinnon&#8217;s career high in goals is 51, and the Avalanche record is <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3899938\/mikko-rantanen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Mikko Rantanen<\/a>&#8216;s 55 goals in 2022-23. If we include the Quebec Nordiques &#8212; and we might as well because the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/46673289\/colorado-avalanche-quebec-nordiques-throwback-jerseys\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Avs sometimes dress like them<\/a> &#8212; then MacKinnon is potentially within reach of Michel Goulet&#8217;s 1982-83 record of 57 goals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">MacKinnon received the most first-place votes and 47% of the total first-place votes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Nathan MacKinnon remains the front-runner for me. Leads the league in even-strength points and has a plus-55 rating,&#8221; one voter said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;He&#8217;s the clear MVP for me with 20 or so games remaining,&#8221; another MacKinnon voter said. &#8220;I hope he doesn&#8217;t get dinged for the fact that his organization outthinks and out-operates everybody else.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">MacKinnon is seeking his second Hart after winning in 2023-24. Kucherov is also looking for his second MVP win, having last won in 2018-19.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Despite a recent push by the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/buf\/buffalo-sabres\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a>, the Lightning have been leading the Atlantic Division for a good stretch of the season. Though some credit should go to goalie <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/2976847\/andrei-vasilevskiy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Andrei Vasilevskiy<\/a>, the majority of it goes to Kucherov, who is having another dominant campaign.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Kucherov is third in the league points (103), second in assists (69) and first in points-per-game average (1.78). He was 36 points ahead of the Lightning&#8217;s second-leading scorer, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3042083\/jake-guentzel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jake Guentzel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Kucherov was tied with McDavid for the third-most first-place votes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Once again, McDavid has lifted the Oilers on his shoulders. Through 64 games, McDavid has an NHL-leading 108 points, including 35 goals, which was third behind MacKinnon and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4565236\/cole-caufield\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Cole Caufield<\/a>. McDavid was second in the voting in January but has been outside the top 3 in consecutive months. But he&#8217;s still collecting votes, while seeking his third Hart Trophy win, having last won regular-season MVP honors in 2022-23.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">A solid case can be made for either of these veterans. And then there&#8217;s the new superstar in town who finished with the second-most first-place votes behind MacKinnon.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Celebrini, who has played in 61 games, has 89 points, good for fifth in the NHL and well ahead of the Sharks&#8217; next-highest scorer: Celebrini led <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5149155\/will-smith\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Will Smith<\/a> by 45 points on San Jose. Celebrini&#8217;s 32 goals were 13 more than Smith&#8217;s as well &#8212; although Smith has played just 48 games because of injury. Comparisons to <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3114\/sidney-crosby\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Sidney Crosby<\/a>will only intensify if Celebrini also wins league MVP in his second season, as Crosby did in 2006-07.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Celebrini is easily the most fascinating MVP candidate this season. He&#8217;s 19 years old and was one of the best players for Team Canada in the 2026 Olympics. While the Avalanche and Lightning are playoff mainstays, Celebrini is trying to drag the Sharks out of a rebuild and into their first postseason appearance since 2019.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;You could fit an eyelash between each of them in this race. Still giving the &#8216;No. 1-A&#8217; nod to MacKinnon because he hasn&#8217;t declined in any fashion,&#8221; one voter said. &#8220;Celebrini and Kucherov have just been outstanding, too, and in terms of most valuable to their team &#8230; it&#8217;s tight.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;MacKinnon has been incredible, as usual. With Celebrini and Kucherov, my thought process is, &#8216;How different would their team be if their top player were out?'&#8221;said one voter, who had these players in the top three of their ballots. &#8220;The Sharks wouldn&#8217;t be sniffing the playoffs without Celebrini. Kucherov has over 30 more points than his closest teammate.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Entering Sunday, the Sharks had a 36.5% chance of making the cut in the Western Conference, per Money Puck. The playoff race is the key to Celebrini&#8217;s candidacy. At least, that&#8217;s the sense we get from our voters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;It&#8217;s Celebrini if the Sharks somehow rally,&#8221; one Kucherov voter said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;If the Sharks get in, I&#8217;d consider Celebrini,&#8221; one MacKinnon voter said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;If the Sharks squeak into the postseason &#8212; a reasonable notion given the wan state of this season&#8217;s Pacific Division &#8212; it will be because of the sophomore who has more than twice as many points as anyone else on his squad,&#8221; one of the Celebrini voters said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">At least one voter doesn&#8217;t agree on the playoff criteria for the Hart.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;I don&#8217;t buy the notion that you have to make the playoffs to win this award,&#8221; the voter said. &#8220;If your team narrowly misses but would be a lottery team without you &#8212; like San Jose &#8212; you provide more value than a team who would still be good without a singular player.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Finally, earning his first MVP vote in this season&#8217;s awards watch is <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/nyi\/new-york-islanders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">New York Islanders<\/a> rookie defenseman <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5291933\/matthew-schaefer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Matthew Schaefer<\/a>, who is second in points (46) on his team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;It&#8217;s time for Matthew Schaefer to get Hart buzz. There&#8217;s no player in the NHL more &#8216;valuable&#8217; to his team,&#8221; the Schaefer voter said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Another player to receive support down the ballot was <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3899972\/zach-werenski\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Zach Werenski<\/a> of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/cbj\/columbus-blue-jackets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Norris Trophy (top defenseman)<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Leader: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4233563\/cale-makar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Cale Makar<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/col\/colorado-avalanche\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a>\/<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3899972\/zach-werenski\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Zach Werenski<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/cbj\/columbus-blue-jackets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> (tie)<\/p>\n<p>Finalists: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4320548\/quinn-hughes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Quinn Hughes<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/min\/minnesota-wild\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Minnesota Wild<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The Norris race has been fun this season. Not because any of these finalists are unexpected &#8212; they were the official finalists for the Norris last season, with Makar winning and Werenski placing second &#8212; but in how Werenski has steadily chipped away at Makar&#8217;s once-substantial vote lead to turn the Norris into a two-defensemen race with just over a month left in the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">In fact, it&#8217;s a dead heat: Makar and Werenski finished with 41% of the first-place votes, tied for the Norris lead.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Makar had 66 points in his first 61 games, skating to a plus-33 in 25:03 of average ice time. That 1.08 points-per-game average would be a badge of honor for 99% of the NHL&#8217;s defensemen, but it&#8217;s slightly down by Makar&#8217;s standards. But he has excelled beyond his usual offensive dominance: The Avalanche have a 67% goals-for percentage when Makar is on the ice at five-on-five, averaging 3.77 goals and just 1.86 goals against per 60 minutes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;My ballot is on its way to being a repeat of last year,&#8221; one Makar voter said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;It&#8217;s Makar up top, no question. After that, I could argue for probably close to seven or eight guys,&#8221; another Makar voter said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Werenski, who has playedin 55 games, has 65 points, which led all scorers on the Blue Jackets and was 11 points clear of second-leading scorer <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4587996\/kirill-marchenko\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kirill Marchenko<\/a> entering Sunday&#8217;s action. That includes 20 goals, which was second on the Jackets.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Werenski is second in the NHL in average ice time (26:27) and plays in all situations. His underlying numbers don&#8217;t pop like those of Makar, but are outstanding relative to his teammates. Werenski earned some spotlight in <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/48006328\/2026-milan-cortina-winter-olympics-men-hockey-usa-canada-gold-medal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Team USA&#8217;s gold medal victory<\/a> in the Olympics, and will continue to do the same in the NHL if the Blue Jackets keep up their playoff push.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Makar&#8217;s play has dropped of late. Werenski is going to find himself in the Hart conversation if Columbus makes the playoffs,&#8221; one voter said. &#8220;He&#8217;s been incredible, all year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Makar received 55% of the vote last month, and his lead has declined for three straight Awards Watch installments. If his recent play has opened the door for Werenski a little, it&#8217;s the Columbus defenseman who has knocked it down and made this a dead heat.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;He&#8217;s doing more with less around him versus Makar,&#8221; one Werenski voter said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">But Werenski still needs to make his case over the defenseman many consider a generational talent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Zach Werenski might&#8217;ve picked the wrong era to win one of these,&#8221; one voter said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Hughes was the clear third choice among our voters. He leads the NHL with 27:44 in average ice time per game, and has 63 points in 58 games this season with the Wild and the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/van\/vancouver-canucks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Vancouver Canucks<\/a>. In 32 games with the Wild, Hughes has 36 assists and 40 points &#8212; 17 of them on the power play.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Cale Makar would still sit in the No. 1 spot for me, but it&#8217;s a narrow gap between him, Quinn Hughes and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4565227\/moritz-seider\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Moritz Seider<\/a> filling out my top three,&#8221; one Makar voter said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Seider was the only other defenseman to receive a first-place Norris vote, but was mentioned frequently down the ballot.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Even with the two clear favorites, there&#8217;s still time for the Norris race to take a few more turns.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;It&#8217;s close. Zach Werenski is right there behind him. And &#8230; have we all been sleeping on <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4352722\/evan-bouchard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Evan Bouchard<\/a>?&#8221; one voter asked.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \"><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/edm\/edmonton-oilers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Edmonton Oilers<\/a> fans would certainly say so. Through 63 games, Bouchard led all defensemen with 72 points, including 45 on even strength. He plays in all situations and has skated to a plus-13 this season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Evan Bouchard can also still get into the mix with 25% of the season remaining,&#8221; one Makar voter said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Bouchard&#8217;s problem is convincing voters that his frequently maligned defensive game has improved enough for Norris consideration.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Evan Bouchard doesn&#8217;t defend well enough to leapfrog either Cale Makar or Zach Werenski,&#8221; one voter said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Other defensemen mentioned down the ballot: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5080230\/lane-hutson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Lane Hutson<\/a> of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/mtl\/montreal-canadiens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5291933\/matthew-schaefer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Matthew Schaefer<\/a> of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/nyi\/new-york-islanders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">New York Islanders<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Calder Trophy (top rookie)<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Leader: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5291933\/matthew-schaefer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Matthew Schaefer<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/nyi\/new-york-islanders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">New York Islanders<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Finalists: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5216860\/ivan-demidov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ivan Demidov<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/mtl\/montreal-canadiens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a>; <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5216858\/beckett-sennecke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Beckett Sennecke<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/ana\/anaheim-ducks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Anaheim Ducks<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">No hipster picks. No contrarianism. Just the acceptance that Schaefer is the best rookie in the NHL this season, from his play on the ice to the vibe-shift he provided the Islanders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">For the second straight month, Schaefer was the unanimous choice from our panel, earning every first-place vote. He had 46 points through 64 games, skating to a plus-12. No rookie has skated more on average (24:16) and no rookie had more power-play goals (seven) or points (15) than Schaefer. He&#8217;s 23 points clear of the next-highest rookie scorer, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5188393\/alexander-nikishin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Alexander Nikishin<\/a> of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/car\/carolina-hurricanes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Carolina Hurricanes<\/a>. As mentioned earlier, he&#8217;s second on the Islanders in goal and points.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">All of this at 18 years old, after playing 17 games for the OHL Erie Otters last season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Engrave the plaque. Write the release,&#8221; one voter declared.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;He has 20 goals from the back and logs over 24 minutes a night, and has singlehandedly made the Islanders watchable,&#8221; another quipped.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Schaefer is past the Calder conversation and is now in the Norris conversation,&#8221; another beamed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Remember how Matthew Schaefer wasn&#8217;t guaranteed a roster spot with the Islanders ahead of this season? Feels like a remarkably silly notion now,&#8221; another voter recalled.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">This must be a bummer for Demidov and Sennecke, who are both having terrific rookie seasons but ultimately battling for the silver to Schaefer&#8217;s gold. (Would it have been Canada&#8217;s gold in Milan if Schaefer had been on the team? We&#8217;ll never know&#8230;)<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Sennecke led all rookies with 51 points and was tied with Schaefer with 20 goals entering Sunday&#8217;s action. He has been a key factor in the Ducks&#8217; surge of the standings this season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Sennecke is going to finish with 25 goals and almost 40 assists in his first NHL season and it won&#8217;t matter a lick in light of how Schaefer has dragged his club into legit playoff contention as an 18-year-old defender,&#8221; one voter detailed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Demidov was the odds-on favorite to win the Calder before the season. He hasn&#8217;t disappointed with 13 goals and 35 points (48 points) in 62 games for the Canadiens, with 14 points on the power play. He just hasn&#8217;t been Schaefer. Then again, no one has outside of Schaefer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Schaefer still has some company in Senecke and Demidov,&#8221; one voter claimed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Schaefer is going to win this and should win this, perhaps unanimously. I&#8217;d have Beckett Sennecke in the No. 2 followed by Ivan Demidov,&#8221; another revealed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Other rookies who received support down the ballot included <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5291947\/ben-kindel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ben Kindel<\/a> of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/pit\/pittsburgh-penguins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a>; <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5149172\/ryan-leonard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ryan Leonard<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4697783\/justin-sourdif\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Justin Sourdif<\/a> of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/wsh\/washington-capitals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Washington Capitals<\/a>; <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5080207\/fraser-minten\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Fraser Minten<\/a> of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/bos\/boston-bruins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Boston Bruins<\/a>; and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4874737\/jesper-wallstedt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jesper Wallstedt<\/a> of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/min\/minnesota-wild\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Minnesota Wild<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Vezina Trophy (top goaltender)<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Note: The NHL&#8217;s general managers vote for this award.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Leader: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/2976847\/andrei-vasilevskiy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Andrei Vasilevskiy<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/tb\/tampa-bay-lightning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Finalists: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3151981\/ilya-sorokin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ilya Sorokin<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/nyi\/new-york-islanders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">New York Islanders<\/a>; <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4272888\/logan-thompson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Logan Thompson<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/wsh\/washington-capitals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Washington Capitals<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">While Kucherov is understandably getting the MVP love for the Lightning this season, none of their success would be possible without Vasilevskiy. He&#8217;s 29-10-3 in 42 games and fifth in the NHL in goals saved above expected per Money Puck (17.8). He returned to form last season but finished second to <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3020225\/connor-hellebuyck\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Connor Hellebuyck<\/a> in the Vezina voting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Tampa probably shouldn&#8217;t be as good as they are,&#8221; one voter proposed. &#8220;Vasilevskiy is like human duct tape. Somehow, he just gets the job done.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Andrei Vasilevskiy has looked back to Vezina form all season. He also gets bonus points for the goalie fight that helped get his team going,&#8221; another declared, referring to<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/47804336\/goalie-fight-andrei-vasilevskiy-jeremy-swayman-sparks-lightning-historic-comeback-vs-bruins-nhl-outdoor-game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Vasilevskiy&#8217;s scrap with Bruins goalieJeremy Swayman<\/a> during the Lightning&#8217;s 6-5 Stadium Series victory on Feb. 1.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Vasilevskiy earned 53% of the first-place votes, and Sorokin was right behind him. The Islanders goalie leads the NHL in goals saved above expected per Money Puck (28.1). He&#8217;s 23-14-2 with a .914 save percentage and a 2.50 goals-against average. He was second to Vasilevskiy among our panelists last month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Thompson dropped out of the Vezina top three last month, but his success this season has been undeniable, with 21 wins, a .913 save percentage and a 2.41 GAA. He&#8217;s second to Vasilevskiy in goals saved above expected (24.4). Thompson, who was on the Team Canada roster at the Winter Olympics, was fourth for the Vezina last season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Thompson was the only other goalie to earn a first-place vote, but there was a ton of support down the ballot for several goalies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">One of them was the Bruins&#8217;Swayman, who is third in goals saved above expected (20.5). &#8220;Swayman is not getting nearly enough love or attention for the season he&#8217;s having. He&#8217;s a major reason they are in the playoff hunt,&#8221; one Sorokin voter argued.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \"><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/car\/carolina-hurricanes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Carolina Hurricanes<\/a> sensation <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4996097\/brandon-bussi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Brandon Bussi<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3151297\/igor-shesterkin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Igor Shesterkin<\/a> of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/nyr\/new-york-rangers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">New York Rangers<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3942065\/karel-vejmelka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Karel Vejmelka<\/a> of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/utah\/utah-mammoth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Utah Mammoth<\/a> also received some attention from the voters.<\/p>\n<p>Selke Trophy (best defensive forward)<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Leader: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4233594\/nick-suzuki\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nick Suzuki<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/mtl\/montreal-canadiens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Finalists: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3041969\/nathan-mackinnon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nathan MacKinnon<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/col\/colorado-avalanche\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a>; <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3541\/jordan-staal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jordan Staal<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/car\/carolina-hurricanes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Carolina Hurricanes<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Sometimes it&#8217;s just a player&#8217;s &#8220;turn&#8221; to win an award. The buzz starts in the preseason, and if the player doesn&#8217;t fumble the bag, he can remain the consensus choice.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Suzuki has done nothing to dissuade the voters who have backed him all season. This is the fourth straight month in which Suzuki has led the Selke race, this time with 59% of the first-place votes, up from 53% last month. Montreal averages 2.12 goals against per 60 minutes with him on the ice. Suzuki has never been a Selke finalist, and his previous highest finish was 13th for the award. That&#8217;ll change this season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;He keeps improving,&#8221; one voter stated.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Not a clear-cut front-runner for me with this award, but if I had to vote today, it would be for him,&#8221; another suggested.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Staal is another player waiting for his turn. The 20-year veteran has been considered one of the best defensive forwards in the NHL for over a decade, but has been a Selke finalist only twice, the last time in 2023-24. He&#8217;s a faceoff ace (55.3%) and the Hurricanes average 2.39 goals against per 60 minutes when he&#8217;s on the ice.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Staal and MacKinnon tied with 12% of the Selke first-place votes. The Colorado star and MVP favorite has never been lauded for his defensive prowess &#8212; his highest Selke finish was 22nd in the voting &#8212; but he has an intriguing case this season if you believe the best defense is a good offense. The Avs get 57.6% of the shot attempts with him on the ice. They average 4.87 goals per 60 minutes and 1.56 goals against per 60 minutes when he&#8217;s on the ice for an astonishing 75.7% goals-for percentage. They earn 60% of the scoring chances when he&#8217;s on the ice.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;He has the second-lowest GA\/60 of every forward in the NHL while averaging the fourth-most minutes. He also plays the seventh-most minutes against elite competition,&#8221; one MacKinnon voter explained.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The knock on MacKinnon would be that he doesn&#8217;t kill penalties as Staal does (2:12 of shorthanded ice time per game) or as Suzuki does (albeit at just 50 seconds per game).<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">This being the Selke Trophy voting, there&#8217;s always a cast of thousands getting support from the voters. Other players receiving first-place votes were <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/vgk\/vegas-golden-knights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> center <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3648002\/jack-eichel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jack Eichel<\/a>, Avalanche center <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/5798\/brock-nelson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Brock Nelson<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/det\/detroit-red-wings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Detroit Red Wings<\/a> center <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3114755\/dylan-larkin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dylan Larkin<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;I&#8217;m convinced that when you look at which of the NHL&#8217;s most trusted defensive forwards have also been the highest-level top of the lineup players, it&#8217;s Dylan Larkin and then it&#8217;s everybody else,&#8221; one voter opined. &#8220;I think he&#8217;s the clear front-runner, but I doubt that&#8217;s a commonly held opinion.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Other players receiving support down the ballot were <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/min\/minnesota-wild\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Minnesota Wild<\/a> center <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3904091\/joel-eriksson-ek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Joel Eriksson Ek<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/dal\/dallas-stars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dallas Stars<\/a> winger <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4233875\/jason-robertson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jason Robertson<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/tb\/tampa-bay-lightning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> center <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3941973\/anthony-cirelli\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Anthony Cirelli<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Dropping out as finalists and not receiving a first-place vote this month were Dallas Stars center <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3904183\/roope-hintz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Roope Hintz<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/fla\/florida-panthers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Florida Panthers<\/a> center <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3114722\/sam-reinhart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Sam Reinhart<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Lady Byng Trophy (gentlemanly play)<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">This is the part where I mention that the Lady Byng Trophy for gentlemanly play should be voted on by the league&#8217;s on-ice officials or by the NHL Players&#8217; Association instead of the PHWA. Traditionally, this award goes to a player with a top-20 point total and the lowest penalty minutes among those players.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \"><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3648002\/jack-eichel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jack Eichel<\/a> has 70 points in 55 games with just 10 penalty minutes, but a case could be made for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/4233594\/nick-suzuki\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nick Suzuki<\/a>, who has 74 points in 62 games and just 14 penalty minutes. If a defenseman strikes your fancy, how about <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/player\/_\/id\/3899972\/zach-werenski\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Zach Werenski<\/a>, who has65 points in 55 games (averaging 26:27 in ice time) with only 12 penalty minutes?<\/p>\n<p>Jack Adams Award (best coach)<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Note: The NHL Broadcasters&#8217; Association votes on this award.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Leader: Jon Cooper, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/tb\/tampa-bay-lightning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Finalists: Jared Bednar, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/col\/colorado-avalanche\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a>; Lindy Ruff, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/buf\/buffalo-sabres\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Is this the most fascinating race of the NHL Awards season?<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The current finalists are all battling against their own flavors of history. Cooper, who led ballots with 53% of the first-place votes, has never won the Jack Adams despite two Stanley Cup wins and four conference titles. This season, he has guided the Lightning to near the top of the Atlantic Division despite a season filled with injuries to key players.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;It&#8217;s his Martin Scorsese year,&#8221; one voter quipped, in a nod to the director&#8217;s inevitable 2006 win for &#8220;The Departed&#8221; after decades of snubs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Jon Cooper has continued to guide his team through nonstop injuries up and down the lineup. His ability to motivate different personalities is an art,&#8221; another voter noted.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;It has to be Jon Cooper,&#8221; another voter declared.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Unless it &#8220;has to be&#8221; Lindy Ruff, who earned 28% of the first-place votes as the coach who has the Sabres primed to break the NHL&#8217;s longest playoff drought. The last time Buffalo made the postseason was 2011 under head coach &#8230; Lindy Ruff? Well there&#8217;s some delightful symmetry.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Listen, Jon Cooper deserves this one, too. But for Ruff to have taken Buffalo from where they were to where they are is pretty special,&#8221; one voter beamed. &#8220;Cooper has done tremendous work in Tampa, too, but Ruff&#8217;s been through the wringer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Thrilled for Buffalo and the job that Ruff is doing. Everything is finally coming together and he deserves recognition,&#8221; another voter argued.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;The mythical fresh GM bump is a pile of nonsense. The Sabres are a league-leading 28-5-2 since Dec. 9 in good part because of the guy calling the shots from behind the bench,&#8221; another voter explained.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Ruff previously won the Jack Adams in 2005-06, the season when the Sabres lost in Game 7 of the conference finals to eventual Stanley Cup winner Carolina.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Bednar earned around 11% of the first-place votes and is pushing back against another kind of history. The Avalanche are expected to win the President&#8217;s Trophy for having the league&#8217;s best record. Only three coaches since 2005-06 have won the Jack Adams for having led a team to the President&#8217;s Trophy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Jared Bednar is still a great candidate but seems to be coaching an all-star team while Cooper has dealt with a ton of injuries to key cogs,&#8221; one voter opined.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Voters are more compelled by rags-to-riches than riches-to-more-riches stories &#8212; another reason why Ruff&#8217;s ascendence here can&#8217;t be ignored.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Lindy Ruff deserves to be in the conversation more! What&#8217;s happening in Buffalo needs to be studied,&#8221; one voter proposed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Other coaches receiving first-place votes were Lane Lambert of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/sea\/seattle-kraken\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Seattle Kraken<\/a>, who was a finalist in last month&#8217;s Awards Watch; and Andre Tourigny of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/utah\/utah-mammoth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Utah Mammoth<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Among the coaches mentioned down the ballot were Dan Muse of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/pit\/pittsburgh-penguins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> and Ryan Warsofsky of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/_\/name\/sj\/san-jose-sharks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">San Jose Sharks<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1745752389_797_greyline.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC eTIW sUzSN \">]<\/p>\n<p>Copyright \u00a9 2026 ESPN Internet Ventures. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The NHL trade deadline has passed, and the sprint to the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs has arrived. Where&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":494806,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5108],"tags":[58581,233,3644,5180,95,229,26,12829,29,96,144,897,230,5179,147,93,12825,146,266,12824,57,5,145,38,21,231,151,159,35,4,25,56,100,168,234,84,12827,92,12828,2798,2801,2802,2797,2800,31,12826,3154,27,39,109,2799,18],"class_list":{"0":"post-494805","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-columbus-blue-jackets","8":"tag-58581","9":"tag-anaheim-ducks","10":"tag-blue-jackets","11":"tag-bluejackets","12":"tag-boston-bruins","13":"tag-buffalo-sabres","14":"tag-calgary-flames","15":"tag-canada-canada","16":"tag-carolina-hurricanes","17":"tag-chicago-blackhawks","18":"tag-colorado-avalanche","19":"tag-columbus","20":"tag-columbus-blue-jackets","21":"tag-columbusbluejackets","22":"tag-dallas-stars","23":"tag-detroit-red-wings","24":"tag-eastern-conf-all-stars","25":"tag-edmonton-oilers","26":"tag-espn","27":"tag-finland-finland","28":"tag-florida-panthers","29":"tag-hockey","30":"tag-los-angeles-kings","31":"tag-minnesota-wild","32":"tag-montreal-canadiens","33":"tag-nashville-predators","34":"tag-new-jersey-devils","35":"tag-new-york-islanders","36":"tag-new-york-rangers","37":"tag-nhl","38":"tag-ottawa-senators","39":"tag-philadelphia-flyers","40":"tag-pittsburgh-penguins","41":"tag-san-jose-sharks","42":"tag-seattle-kraken","43":"tag-st-louis-blues","44":"tag-sweden-sweden","45":"tag-tampa-bay-lightning","46":"tag-team-alfredsson","47":"tag-team-chara","48":"tag-team-foligno","49":"tag-team-lidstrom","50":"tag-team-staal","51":"tag-team-toews","52":"tag-toronto-maple-leafs","53":"tag-usa-usa","54":"tag-utah-mammoth","55":"tag-vancouver-canucks","56":"tag-vegas-golden-knights","57":"tag-washington-capitals","58":"tag-western-conf-all-stars","59":"tag-winnipeg-jets"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/494805","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=494805"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/494805\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/494806"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=494805"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=494805"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=494805"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}