NHL Awards Watch: New leaders for Hart, Norris as playoff races heat up

Key Takeaways:

• Nathan MacKinnon leads the Hart Trophy race, aiming for back-to-back MVP awards.
• Zach Werenski overtakes the Norris Trophy lead amid Quinn Hughes’ injury.
• Leon Draisaitl and Connor Hellebuyck remain strong contenders for the Hart Trophy.
• The Calder Trophy race tightens as Macklin Celebrini’s lead narrows.
• Spencer Carbery is the front-runner for the Jack Adams Award for best coach.

Playoff Races Intensify NHL Awards Battles

As the NHL season enters its final month, the competition is fiercer than ever—not just for playoff berths but also for the league’s most coveted individual awards. Recent shifts have seen new leaders emerge in the races for the Hart and Norris Trophies, adding excitement to an already unpredictable season.

MacKinnon Takes Lead in Hart Trophy Race

Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche has surged ahead in the Hart Trophy race, aiming to become the first back-to-back MVP since Alex Ovechkin in 2008-09. MacKinnon secured 33% of first-place votes in a recent poll of Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) members.

“Incredibly consistent and so crucial to Colorado’s success this season,” remarked one voter. MacKinnon’s performance is even more impressive considering the Avalanche traded Mikko Rantanen in January. He’s not only threatening to win his second MVP but also contending for his first Art Ross Trophy as the league’s top point scorer.

Draisaitl and Hellebuyck Close Behind

Hot on MacKinnon’s heels is Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, who garnered about 26% of first-place votes. Draisaitl has maintained a comfortable lead in the goal-scoring race and is making a strong analytics case for MVP.

“This award still seems very much up for grabs. I keep flip-flopping here,” admitted a voter who supports Draisaitl.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck remains a formidable contender with 22% of first-place votes. Leading the league in traditional goalie stats, Hellebuyck is crucial to the Jets’ success.

“There is a zero percent chance Winnipeg is the best team in the league right now if not for Hellebuyck. That’s undeniable,” declared a Hellebuyck supporter.

Werenski Overtakes Norris Trophy Race

Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets has ascended to the top of the Norris Trophy race for the league’s best defenseman, capturing 48% of first-place votes. His exceptional play has been pivotal in Columbus’s surprising playoff push.

“I’m on the Zach Werenski train. He’s a big, big reason for why the Blue Jackets are still in this thing,” noted a voter.

Meanwhile, Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks, who led the race last month with 45% of first-place votes, has slipped due to limited games played since January.

“Hughes had it locked up before his injury,” acknowledged a voter.

Colorado’s Cale Makar remains a strong contender, earning 41% of first-place votes. A previous Norris winner, Makar leads defensemen in scoring and averages over 25 minutes of ice time per game.

Calder Trophy Race Tightens

The race for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s top rookie, has become increasingly competitive. San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini still leads but has seen his first-place vote share drop to 48%.

“The race may be tightening, but I still lean toward the most dynamic presence playing on the worst team,” explained a voter favoring Celebrini.

Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf is gaining momentum, backed by strong performances that have been crucial to his team’s playoff aspirations.

“If we’re talking about who has truly been the best performing rookie over the balance of the season, it has to be Dustin Wolf,” argued a supporter.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson is also in the mix, impressing voters with his offensive contributions and potential to lead all rookies in scoring.

Hellebuyck Dominates Vezina Consideration

In the Vezina Trophy race for the league’s top goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck is the unanimous choice among the polled voters. Aiming for his third Vezina win, Hellebuyck’s dominance this season is undisputed.

“Best goaltender in the world, and I don’t think it’s particularly close,” praised a voter.

Barkov Leads Selke Trophy Candidates

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is leading the Selke Trophy race for the NHL’s best defensive forward, earning 56% of first-place votes.

“Selke Sasha. I think we’ve found a new nickname for Barkov,” quipped a voter.

Teammate Sam Reinhart and Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner are also strong contenders, with voters acknowledging the exceptional defensive contributions from both forwards.

Carbery Top Choice for Jack Adams Award

Spencer Carbery of the Washington Capitals is the front-runner for the Jack Adams Award, given to the league’s best coach, capturing 63% of first-place votes.

“Carbery is having a masterful year and is pressing all the right buttons,” lauded a voter.

Scott Arniel of the Winnipeg Jets and Dean Evason of the Columbus Blue Jackets are also in contention, recognized for their impactful leadership and team turnarounds.

Final Stretch Anticipation

With the playoffs on the horizon and award races tightening, the NHL’s final month promises high-stakes excitement. As teams battle for postseason positions, individual players and coaches are making their final cases for recognition, setting the stage for a memorable conclusion to the season.