Welcome to the final NHL Awards Watch for the 2024-25 season, providing a last look at the races as voting ballots are about to be submitted.
The contests for MVP, rookie of the year, and top defenseman have largely narrowed down to a few key contenders after a fluctuating season.
We`ve surveyed a diverse group of Professional Hockey Writers Association voters to gauge the likely direction of voting for the current leaders. This anonymous poll represents a wide range of perspectives from across the league.
Remember, the PHWA votes for the Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke, and Lady Byng Awards. Broadcasters vote for the Jack Adams Award, and general managers decide the Vezina Trophy.
All statistics are sourced from Hockey-Reference.com, Natural Stat Trick, and Evolving Hockey.
Award Leaders:
Ross | Richard | Hart
Norris | Selke | Vezina
Calder | Byng | Adams
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
For the latest point standings, check official NHL stats.
Maurice `Rocket` Richard Trophy (Goals Leader)
For the most up-to-date goalscoring ranks, refer to NHL official statistics.
Hart Trophy (Most Valuable Player)
Leading Candidate: Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
Finalists: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets; Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
The MVP award appeared to be Hellebuyck`s, then MacKinnon`s. However, Leon Draisaitl has consistently been in contention, building a compelling case as the player most vital to his team. As the season concludes, the Edmonton star has emerged as the favorite.
One voter stated, `I don`t believe it`s a close race at this stage.`
Draisaitl captured 40% of first-place votes in our poll, overtaking MacKinnon. He leads the Rocket Richard Trophy race and ranks third in league points. Beyond traditional stats, Evolving Hockey ranks Draisaitl first in goals above replacement and credits him with adding nearly five wins to the Oilers this season.
He also demonstrates a strong all-around game, ranking third among Edmonton forwards in goals against per 60 minutes. His defensive contributions are recognized in other award discussions.
Considering Connor McDavid`s presence, Draisaitl`s case is even more notable. In his previous Hart Trophy season, Draisaitl outperformed McDavid statistically, but this year, with McDavid experiencing some injury setbacks, Draisaitl has further distinguished himself. His point production relative to McDavid this season could be McDavid`s lowest in years.
Despite playing in McDavid’s shadow, Draisaitl is earning MVP consideration. Some voters may see him as a product of McDavid, but given McDavid`s injuries and Draisaitl’s exceptional play at both ends, it`s Draisaitl`s time to be recognized.
`He tallied 16 points in nine games without McDavid,` a voter noted.
`Anyone watching the Oilers without their leading scorer would agree he`s been the most valuable player in 2024-25,` another voter commented. `Even with McDavid back, Edmonton needs Draisaitl to be healthy for any playoff success.`
Still, some voters emphasize the race`s closeness.
`It`s Draisaitl by a hair over Nathan MacKinnon,` one voter mentioned.
`Draisaitl is slightly ahead, with Hellebuyck second on my ballot,` another disclosed.
MacKinnon and Hellebuyck each received 20% of first-place votes, securing the other finalist positions.
MacKinnon aims to be the first repeat MVP since Alex Ovechkin in 2007-09. Since 1980, only Ovechkin, Dominik Hasek, and Wayne Gretzky have achieved consecutive Hart trophies.
MacKinnon’s best path to victory might be winning the Art Ross Trophy, competing closely with Nikita Kucherov. This would be MacKinnon’s first scoring title.
Hellebuyck could become the first goalie MVP since Carey Price in 2014-15, and only the third in 25 years.
His workload and impact on the Jets` success are undeniable, with 44 of their 53 wins. He maintains top save percentage and goals-against average, and is top four in goals saved above expected.
`For me, it`s between him and Draisaitl,` a voter stated. `He`s been the best goalie all season and has significantly boosted the Jets` record.`
`Hellebuyck deserves consideration, but needs a strong finish, likely starting most of the remaining regular-season games,` another suggested.
While MacKinnon and Hellebuyck are clear runners-up, Nikita Kucherov is gaining momentum, receiving about 17% of first-place votes.
Kucherov, a former Hart winner, is pursuing his third scoring title, closely trailing MacKinnon despite fewer games played. A key factor for voters is the gap between an MVP candidate and their team’s next highest scorer. Kucherov had a significant 32-point lead over Brandon Hagel.
`I favored MacKinnon most of the season, but Kucherov`s second half has impressed me,` a Kucherov voter explained.
`Another incredible season, often overlooked,` another voter remarked. `His offensive impact is more subtle than others, but equally effective.`
Kucherov’s MVP chances are real, though possibly underestimated.
`It`s surprising sportsbooks have Kucherov at 50-1. He could lead in scoring and arguably should have won last season,` a voter claimed.
Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights also received some first-place Hart votes, having a substantial lead over his team`s second scorer, Mark Stone.
`He deserves more recognition in the Hart conversation,` a voter suggested.
Other players mentioned included Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, and Alex Ovechkin, with some voters noting Ovechkin`s late push.
In the final stretch, Draisaitl leads the MVP race, but all top candidates have strong arguments.
`This is the TOUGHEST year to choose a Hart winner,` a voter declared. `Could there be a tie?`
Norris Trophy (Top Defenseman)
Leading Candidate: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
Finalists: Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks; Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
Cale Makar, a Norris finalist for four years and winner in 2021-22, is having his most offensively dominant season.
He achieved a career-high 91 points, 16 more than the next highest-scoring defenseman, Werenski. Remarkably, Makar scored over 30 goals, joining a select group of defensemen, the first since Mike Green in 2008-09.
Makar downplays comparisons to Bobby Orr, even when mentioned by Wayne Gretzky. Scoring at this pace as a defenseman only fuels such comparisons.
`We`re in a golden age of young defensemen, and he`s the best,` a voter stated.
`The 30 goals are impressive, but he contributes in all situations for the Avalanche,` another added.
`The 30 goals and the playoff contention of his team versus Hughes` and Werenski`s teams seals it,` a Makar supporter explained.
Werenski briefly led the Norris race last month, fueled by strong performances and the Blue Jackets` playoff bid. However, with the playoff picture becoming clearer and Makar’s offensive surge, Werenski`s lead was short-lived.
Werenski`s first-place votes dropped from 45% last month to 20%. Yet, he remains highly regarded, having scored 75 points and leading the NHL in average ice time at nearly 27 minutes per game.
`I`m still backing Zach Werenski,` a voter declared.
`If the Blue Jackets make the playoffs, Werenski would be MVP,` another stated. `Makar will likely win, but Werenski plays significantly more minutes and does everything for Columbus.`
The Norris race is also marked by the `what if` of Quinn Hughes` season. Hughes was a strong contender before injuries impacted his season. He has 74 points in 64 games, slightly outscoring Makar per game.
Hughes received minimal first-place votes, placing him a distant third.
`If only Quinn Hughes had remained healthy all season,` a voter mused.
`Hughes might have made it closer if not for injuries, but Makar is the clear winner, with respect to Werenski who is also having a great season,` another voter commented.
Other defensemen mentioned include Victor Hedman, Jake Sanderson, Jaccob Slavin, and rookie Lane Hutson.
Calder Trophy (Top Rookie)
Leading Candidate: Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens
Finalists: Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks; Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames
Lane Hutson is the clear leader for the Calder Trophy, dominating the voting.
Hutson received 87% of first-place votes in the final poll, a significant jump from 11% last month. Since February 1st, he has 25 points in 27 games, second on the Canadiens behind Nick Suzuki. He has 58 assists and skates over 22 minutes a game.
Hutson was expected to lead rookie defensemen in scoring, which he has done by a large margin. He has also surpassed all rookies in total points, overshadowing a strong class of rookie forwards.
`Toughest choice among awards, but his play and impact are undeniable,` a voter proclaimed. `He might even get Norris votes.`
`Hutson isn`t just the best rookie, he`s been one of the most impactful defensemen down the stretch,` another added.
Hutson and Wolf had an advantage over Celebrini as they were playing meaningful games late in the season, with the Canadiens in playoff contention and the Flames chasing a wild card spot.
`No disrespect to Celebrini or Michkov, but Hutson played in important games, and they didn`t,` a voter explained.
`Hutson`s point production is impressive, and he has elevated his game when it mattered most,` another opined. `The Canadiens have been hot recently, largely due to Hutson.`
`Lane Hutson solidified himself as my top choice with his late-season performance and defensive improvements,` a Hutson supporter noted. `Still, Celebrini was the best first-year player overall.`
Celebrini, 18, led the Calder race for months before Hutson`s surge. His 57 points in 65 games are impressive on a struggling team. His points-per-game is slightly higher than Hutson`s. However, injury time likely cost him the Calder.
`Celebrini`s injury hurt his chances, and Montreal is playoff bound,` a voter concluded.
`I was leaning towards Celebrini, but Hutson`s late surge is convincing,` another voter relayed. `Hutson is approaching 80 points, ranking among top defensemen in scoring, and has improved defensively.`
Celebrini and Wolf received similar first-place vote shares. Wolf has been the top rookie goalie with 26 wins and a .911 save percentage, playing a key role in the Flames` playoff push.
Several voters indicated Wolf as second on their ballots behind Hutson.
`Hutson`s dynamic play and the Canadiens` surge push him ahead of Wolf,` a voter noted.
Other Calder mentions include Michkov, Bolduc, and Stankoven.
Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender)
Note: Voted on by NHL general managers.
Leading Candidate: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
Finalists: Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings; Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning
While there will be three Vezina finalists, Connor Hellebuyck is expected to win for the second straight year. The only question is the margin of victory.
If the PHWA voted, Hellebuyck would receive unanimous support. He was the unanimous choice in our poll for the second month.
`Dominated from start to finish,` a voter concluded.
`The only goalie who is also a Hart contender. Just engrave the trophy now,` another declared.
Hellebuyck`s 44 wins in 60 starts and overall season are outstanding. However, statistically, his numbers aren`t drastically better than Vasilevskiy`s, who most voters ranked second.
Hellebuyck has a .924 save percentage, 2.02 GAA, and seven shutouts. Vasilevskiy has .923 save percentage, 2.14 GAA, and six shutouts. Vasilevskiy has a slightly better goals-saved above expected, but Hellebuyck’s advanced stats are also strong.
`Hellebuyck and Vasilevskiy are locks for the Vezina,` a voter argued.
Kuemper leads goalies in goals saved above expected and has a better save percentage on rush chances. His .922 save percentage in 47 games is close to Hellebuyck and Vasilevskiy.
`Darcy Kuemper has quietly had an excellent season and should be a Vezina finalist,` a voter noted.
`Finalist` is likely the best outcome for anyone not named Hellebuyck, who is poised to be the first back-to-back Vezina winner since Martin Brodeur in 2006-08. This would be Hellebuyck`s third Vezina, joining Brodeur, Hasek, and Roy with three or more since 1981.
Other goalies mentioned include Thompson, Oettinger, Gustavsson, and Shesterkin.
Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward)
Leading Candidate: Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers
Finalists: Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers; Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers
Aleksander Barkov has consistently led the Selke race and is likely to win for the third time in five seasons.
His first-place vote share has decreased slightly, but he still holds a comfortable lead.
`It will take an exceptional defensive season to unseat Barkov, and I don`t think anyone has,` a voter opined.
The Selke often sees repeat winners. Barkov could join Bergeron, Datsyuk, and Brind`Amour as back-to-back winners.
Sam Reinhart, Barkov’s teammate, is a distant second, receiving about 17% of first-place votes.
`Reinhart has been more impressive of the Florida pair,` one voter argued. `Better expected goals against, similar goals against in tough matchups, and strong defensive play even without Barkov.`
Leon Draisaitl is a new top-three contender, recognized for his defensive contributions.
`He`s underrated for his two-way play,` a voter noted. `The only issue is lack of penalty killing time.`
One voter disagreed about the penalty kill issue, noting Draisaitl`s strong 5-on-5 stats, better than Barkov`s despite more minutes played.
Six other players received first-place votes but didn`t reach the top three: Cirelli, Eichel, Hischier, Lowry, Marner, and Staal, all seeking their first Selke.
`Lowry has strong goal share against top opponents and faces tough matchups,` a voter offered.
The Selke race may come down to whether voters can overlook Barkov`s established reputation.
`I appreciate Barkov`s all-around game, but he`s not quite at his usual level,` one voter revealed.
Lady Byng Trophy (Gentlemanly Play)
The Lady Byng Trophy should ideally be voted on by on-ice officials or the NHL Players` Association, not the PHWA.
Traditionally, it goes to a high-scoring player with minimal penalty minutes.
Eichel has 93 points with eight penalty minutes. Suzuki has 86 points with six penalty minutes. However, Point has 79 points with just one minor penalty – a tripping call in November.
Jack Adams Award (Best Coach)
Note: Voted on by the NHL Broadcasters` Association.
Leading Candidate: Spencer Carbery, Washington Capitals
Finalists: Scott Arniel, Winnipeg Jets; Martin St. Louis, Montreal Canadiens
`Spencer Carbery is the clear choice,` one voter stated.
Carbery received 77% of first-place votes for leading the Capitals through a remarkable season, overcoming challenges and maintaining effectiveness. They have a high points percentage in franchise history.
`The Jack Adams rarely goes to the best team`s coach, but it should this year. Carbery improved the Capitals significantly, managed to stay competitive without Ovechkin, and kept the team focused during Ovechkin`s goal chase,` a voter explained. `He deserves significant credit.`
Carbery is in his second season with Washington.
`He should have won last year for getting that group to the playoffs. Now with a better team, in first place overall,` another voter declared. `His ability to get Ovechkin to buy in has been key to both Ovi`s and the team`s success.`
Arniel`s Jets are also top league contenders. While Hellebuyck gets much credit, some voters believe Arniel deserves recognition in his first season as head coach, earning 10% of first-place votes.
St. Louis entered the top three with about 7% of first-place votes, due to the Canadiens` late-season playoff push.
Jim Montgomery of the St. Louis Blues is also in consideration.
`Despite being fired by Boston earlier, Montgomery deserves Jack Adams consideration. He could be the first coach nominated for multiple teams in one season,` a voter noted.
While St. Louis had more first-place votes, Montgomery was a frequent second choice. He could easily reach the top three with the Blues in playoff contention.
Dean Evason of the Blue Jackets fell out of the top three, although he received a first-place vote. His team faced significant adversity this season.
`Evason had the toughest job this season and could still be a sentimental candidate,` a voter concluded.
Ultimately, these awards depend on how candidates finish the season, and some are making strong final pushes.
