Even as the Stanley Cup Final unfolds, the National Hockey League has begun revealing recipients for some of its annual awards in anticipation of the official NHL Awards ceremony scheduled for later this month.
Recently, Cale Makar was announced as the winner of the Norris Trophy, an award presented to the league`s premier defenseman. Makar secured the award, receiving 176 out of 191 first-place votes, finishing ahead of Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks.
Makar made history by becoming the first defenseman to score 30 goals in a season since Mike Green did so with the Washington Capitals in 2008-09. He also joined an exclusive club as only the fifth defenseman in NHL history to register back-to-back 90-point campaigns. His 30 goals also set a new franchise record for defensemen in a single season for the Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques.
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson was also recognized, winning the Calder Trophy, which honors the top rookie player. Hutson received 165 of the 191 first-place votes, surpassing Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf and San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, who were the other two finalists for the award.
Hutson became just the fourth defenseman in the modern era (since 1943-44) to lead all rookies in points (66), joining legendary blue-liners like Bobby Orr, Brian Leetch, and Quinn Hughes. His 60 assists tied Larry Murphy (Kings, 1980-81) for the most by a rookie defenseman in NHL history. By winning the Calder, he is the third Canadiens player to receive the award in the expansion era (since 1967-68), following Brendan Gallagher (2012-13) and Ken Dryden (1971-72).
The winners for the remaining awards will be revealed at the 2025 NHL Awards ceremony, set to take place on June 12th, preceding Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Norris Trophy
Awarded to `the defensive player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.`
- Winner: Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
- Finalist: Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks)
- Finalist: Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets)
This marks Cale Makar`s second Norris Trophy win in the last four seasons, having been a finalist in five of his initial six NHL campaigns. The Avalanche star joins Erik Karlsson of the Penguins as the only active defensemen with multiple Norris victories. Makar finished the regular season leading all defensemen with 92 points, including league-highs among defensemen in goals (30), assists (62), and power-play goals (12). At 26, Makar is in the prime of his career and is expected to add more accolades in the future.
Selke Trophy
Presented to `the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game.`
- Winner: Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers)
- Finalist: Anthony Cirelli (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Finalist: Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers)
This is Aleksander Barkov`s second consecutive Selke Trophy win and his third overall. He was a strong favorite again this year, posting a plus-13 goal differential at five-on-five while consistently facing the opposition`s top lines, all while contributing 71 points offensively. Barkov`s dominance in the defensive forward role shows no signs of slowing down.
Calder Trophy
Given to `the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition.`
- Winner: Lane Hutson (Montreal Canadiens)
- Finalist: Dustin Wolf (Calgary Flames)
- Finalist: Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks)
Lane Hutson was potentially seen as a dark horse candidate for the Calder, especially with highly touted prospects like Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov beginning their professional careers. However, Hutson excelled, recording 66 points (six goals, 60 assists) and becoming only the fourth defenseman in the NHL`s modern era (since 1943-44) to lead all rookies in scoring. Hutson quickly established himself as a key defenseman for a young Montreal team that qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs this season.
Jack Adams Award
Awarded to the head coach that `contributed the most to his team`s success.`
- Winner: Spencer Carbery (Washington Capitals)
- Finalist: Scott Arniel (Winnipeg Jets)
- Finalist: Martin St. Louis (Montreal Canadiens)
Spencer Carbery claimed the Jack Adams Award in just his second season as the Washington Capitals` head coach. Prior to this role, he served as an assistant with the Maple Leafs and coached the Capitals` AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. Carbery has guided the Capitals to a 91-53-20 record over the past two seasons, leading them to the postseason in both campaigns.
Vezina Trophy
Awarded `to the goaltender adjudged to be the best at his position.`
Finalists:
- Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
- Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings)
- Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Ted Lindsay Award
Annually awarded to `the most outstanding player in the NHL,` as voted by the players.
Finalists:
- Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)
- Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
Hart Trophy
Given `to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team.`
Finalists:
- Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)
- Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
Awarded to `the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.`
Finalists:
- Marc-Andre Fleury (Minnesota Wild)
- Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado Avalanche)
- Sean Monahan (Columbus Blue Jackets)
Lady Byng Trophy
Annually awarded `to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.`
Finalists:
- Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights)
- Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings)
- Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning)
