As the curtain prepares to rise on the 2025-26 NHL season, the buzz extends far beyond team aspirations and Stanley Cup dreams. While the ultimate prize is undoubtedly team silverware, the individual accolades—the Hart, Calder, Vezina, and Norris Trophies—offer compelling narratives of personal excellence, resilience, and breakout performances. For fans and analysts alike, anticipating who will hoist these coveted awards adds another layer of intrigue to the hockey calendar, turning every game into a potential audition for greatness.
With the offseason dust largely settled and rosters taking shape, a clearer picture emerges of the players poised to dominate the discussions. The oddsmakers, ever keen to quantify potential, have weighed in, offering their projections. But beyond the numbers lies the human element: the relentless drive of superstars, the hungry ambition of rising talents, and the quiet determination of veteran stalwarts. Let`s delve into the major award races, exploring the compelling stories behind the projected contenders and why the upcoming season promises a captivating pursuit of individual glory.
The Hart Trophy: Defining “Most Valuable” in a League of Stars
The Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player “adjudged to be most valuable to his team,” is the league`s pinnacle individual honor. After Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck surprisingly (to some, but not to those who watched his dominant 2024-25 campaign) broke the nearly decadelong goalie drought by winning it last season, the field is once again wide open, yet familiar faces loom large.
The Unsurprising Reign of Connor McDavid
It hardly takes a crystal ball to predict Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid as the perennial favorite. Despite his team`s recent heartbreak in consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, McDavid remains, by most measures, in a league of his own. His two previous Hart Trophies in the last five seasons are merely footnotes to a career that continues to redefine offensive genius. The 2025-26 season carries an added layer of narrative for McDavid: with his contract expiring next summer, this could serve as a “swan song” of sorts with the Oilers, or a definitive statement before a potential extension. Either way, a hyper-motivated McDavid, fresh off deep playoff runs, is a terrifying prospect for opposing defenses and a compelling one for MVP voters.
Auston Matthews: The Lone Wolf of Toronto?
The departure of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights throws an intriguing variable into the Toronto Maple Leafs` equation. Suddenly, the offensive load falls even more squarely on the shoulders of superstar center Auston Matthews. Matthews, a Hart Trophy winner in 2021-22 with a remarkable 60-goal season, thrives under pressure and possesses the unique ability to single-handedly dictate games. Without Marner, his statistical output might ironically soar as he becomes the undisputed offensive focal point, a scenario that could easily propel him back into the MVP conversation.
Mitch Marner: A Longshot Bet on a New Horizon
Speaking of Marner, his move to Vegas offers a fascinating “longshot” narrative. Priced at +6000, he represents the kind of high-risk, high-reward bet that could pay off handsomely. Joining a perennial contender like the Golden Knights and skating alongside Jack Eichel provides him with a new stage to showcase his elite playmaking. If Marner can translate his recent 100-point campaign into an even more impactful season on a winning team, perhaps even leading them to further glory, his value proposition could dramatically shift. It would require a truly ridiculous season, yes, but the potential for a fresh start to ignite an MVP-caliber performance isn`t entirely far-fetched, even if it requires a leap of faith.
The Calder Trophy: Announcing the Next Generation
The Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league`s most proficient rookie, is a testament to the NHL`s continuous influx of young talent. With Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson taking the honors last season, the 2025-26 race looks set to feature a compelling mix of raw skill and immediate professional impact.
Ivan Demidov: The Russian Enigma Takes Center Stage
Montreal Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov, the No. 5 overall pick from the 2024 NHL Draft, enters the season as the Calder favorite. His brief cameo at the tail end of the 2024-25 season, including a goal in his debut, provided a tantalizing glimpse of his polarizing talent. Demidov`s elite vision and hockey IQ suggest he possesses the tools for immediate offensive impact. Playing for a Canadiens team eyeing a playoff push after the Noah Dobson acquisition, Demidov will have ample opportunity to showcase his offensive prowess and solidify his frontrunner status.
Michael Misa: San Jose`s Offensive Jewel
The San Jose Sharks added another offensive gem in Michael Misa, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft. Misa`s eye-popping 134 points in the OHL last season speak volumes about his offensive gifts. While his immediate placement on the Sharks` opening night roster remains uncertain, his sheer talent makes him an undeniable candidate if he makes the jump. The Sharks are building for the future, and Misa could be an integral, immediate piece of that puzzle, potentially leading to a Calder-worthy rookie campaign.
Zayne Parekh: The Blue-Line Offensive Dynamo
Calgary Flames defenseman Zayne Parekh, another 2024 first-round pick, also enjoyed a late-season NHL debut, netting a goal in his first game. Parekh’s offensive numbers from the OHL (107 points) are staggering for a defenseman, showcasing his supreme offensive chops. If he secures a spot on the Flames` roster, particularly if Rasmus Andersson is traded, Parekh could be in line for significant ice time and power-play opportunities. A defenseman winning the Calder is less common than a forward, but Parekh`s offensive flair makes him a compelling longshot.
The Vezina Trophy: The Last Line of Defense
The Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league`s best goaltender, has found a consistent home in Winnipeg over the past two seasons. Connor Hellebuyck`s iron grip on the award makes him the favorite, but the goaltending landscape is always prone to delightful surprises.
Connor Hellebuyck: The Unyielding Wall
Is there any surprise here? Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck has been a picture of consistency, winning the Vezina in back-to-back seasons and three times overall in his career. His 2024-25 stats (47-12-3 record, 2.00 GAA, .925 SV%) are simply dominant. Until another goaltender consistently proves they can surpass Hellebuyck`s elite performance and durability, he remains the undisputed benchmark for Vezina contention. The question isn`t if he`ll be good, but if anyone else can be *better*.
Dustin Wolf: The Young Challenger
Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf emerged as a revelation last season, finishing second in the Calder Trophy race despite being a netminder. Following the Jacob Markstrom trade, Wolf became the Flames` undisputed No. 1 and delivered impressive numbers (29-16-8, 2.64 GAA, .910 SV%). For a second-year full-time starter to challenge for the Vezina would be a monumental achievement, but Wolf`s rapid ascent and his role in the Flames` playoff push last season suggest he possesses the mental fortitude and talent to surprise. He`s certainly one to watch if the Flames continue to improve defensively.
Sergei Bobrovsky: The Timeless Veteran
Florida Panthers veteran Sergei Bobrovsky continues to defy age, performing like a fine wine that only gets better with time. A two-time Vezina winner himself, Bobrovsky`s 2024-25 season (33-19-2, 2.44 GAA, .905 SV%) for the eventual Stanley Cup champions showcased his continued elite status. While his save percentage might not always be Vezina-topping, his ability to deliver clutch performances and consistently secure wins for a contending team makes him a dangerous longshot. If Hellebuyck has even a slight dip, Bobrovsky`s consistent excellence could easily vault him back into the conversation, proving that age is just a number in the crease.
The Norris Trophy: Blue-Line Brilliance
The Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL`s “best defenseman,” has recently seen a rotation of deserving winners. Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has solidified his status as the league`s premier blue-liner, but the field behind him is incredibly deep and talented.
Cale Makar: The Offensive Juggernaut
If there`s a defenseman who consistently makes you gasp, it`s Colorado Avalanche`s Cale Makar. The two-time Norris winner (including 2024-25) enters the season as a strong favorite, and for good reason. Makar`s offensive output is simply staggering for a defenseman, with a career-best 92 points last season, leading all defensemen in goals, assists, and power-play goals. His ability to create offense from the back end is unparalleled, and until someone can match his consistent high-level production and defensive reliability, the Norris Trophy seems to be his to lose. He`s not just a defenseman; he`s an offensive catalyst disguised as one.
Zach Werenski: Columbus`s Resurgent Star
While Quinn Hughes often gets the nod for second-best odds, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski presents compelling “under the radar” value. After an injury-riddled 2022-23 season, Werenski exploded for a career-high 82 points and 23 goals in 2024-25, showcasing his ascent among the league`s top blue-liners. He`s amassed 139 points over the last two seasons, demonstrating consistent high-end production. At +950 odds, if Makar or Hughes face unexpected challenges or dip in form, Werenski has proven he possesses the offensive chops to enter and potentially win the Norris conversation.
Evan Bouchard: The Power-Play Quarterback
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard might be considered a longshot for the Norris, but his offensive gifts are undeniable. As one of the league`s most effective playmaking defensemen, Bouchard has consistently delivered points, aided by the stellar cast of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman. His 32 goals over the past two seasons and a fifth-place finish in Norris voting in 2023-24 indicate his potential. While the Norris often demands a more well-rounded game, Bouchard`s offensive metrics are strong enough to keep him in the discussion, especially if his defensive game shows continued improvement. It`s a testament to his offensive prowess that he`s even in the conversation for an award that technically covers both ends of the ice.
The Season Ahead: Narratives Yet Unwritten
While the odds provide a tantalizing glimpse into what the 2025-26 NHL season might hold for individual awards, they are merely predictive tools, not definitive declarations. The beauty of hockey lies in its unpredictability, the breakout stars, the injury setbacks, and the unexpected surges. Will McDavid continue his reign, or will a new challenger emerge? Can a rookie like Demidov immediately dominate, or will a dark horse surprise everyone? Will Hellebuyck maintain his Vezina dominance, or is it time for a new goaltending king? And can anyone truly unseat the offensive wizardry of Cale Makar from his Norris perch?
These questions form the backbone of the narratives that will unfold over the next eight months. Each game, each save, each goal, and each assist will contribute to the compelling stories of individual excellence. As the puck drops, the true race for these prestigious awards begins, promising a season rich with drama, skill, and unforgettable performances.
