Welcome to the last NHL Awards Watch of the 2024-25 season, providing a final overview of the competitions just before voting ballots are submitted.
As you will see, the races for MVP, rookie of the year, and best defenseman have largely narrowed down to a few frontrunners after a fluctuating season.
We have anonymously surveyed a broad range of members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association to gauge the prevailing opinions on the current leaders. We ensured a diverse representation from across the league to gather a wide array of perspectives.
Remember that the PHWA votes for the finalists of the Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke, and Lady Byng trophies, 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.
Quick Links:
Ross | Richard | Hart
Norris | Selke | Vezina
Calder | Byng | Adams
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
Click here for updated point standings.
Maurice `Rocket` Richard Trophy
Click here for updated goal standings.
Hart Trophy (MVP)
Leader: Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
Finalists: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets; Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
The MVP award was initially Connor Hellebuyck`s to lose, then Nathan MacKinnon took the lead in March. However, Draisaitl has consistently been in contention, delivering a season that strongly supports his case as the most valuable player to his team. As the race concludes, the Edmonton star has made a final push.
`I don`t think it`s particularly close at this point,` a voter for Draisaitl stated.
Draisaitl received 40% of first-place votes from our panel, surpassing MacKinnon in the Hart Trophy race. As of Wednesday, he led the Rocket Richard Trophy race by eight goals and was third in overall points in the league. Beyond traditional stats, Evolving Hockey ranks Draisaitl first in the NHL for goals above replacement (29) and estimates he has contributed nearly five wins to the Oilers this season, with a WAR of 4.8.
He also plays a well-rounded game, ranking third among Edmonton forwards in goals against per 60 minutes (2.28) over 70 games. His defensive capabilities are recognized in another trophy vote later in this article.
Finally, consider the Connor McDavid factor. When Draisaitl won his previous Hart Trophy in 2019-20, he played seven more games and scored 13 more points than McDavid, who still finished fifth for the Hart that year. This season, Draisaitl played eight more games than McDavid as of Tuesday and was 16 points ahead. In points per game, this season could be McDavid`s lowest since 2017-18.
It’s challenging for Draisaitl to escape McDavid’s shadow in the MVP conversation, and to overcome the perception by some voters that he is a product of McDavid. However, given McDavid’s injuries this season and Draisaitl’s exceptional performance at both ends of the ice, the conditions are favorable for Leon to be recognized.
`He scored 16 points in nine games without McDavid,` a voter noted.
`Anyone who has watched the Oilers try to compete without the league’s leading scorer should agree he is the most valuable player to his team in 2024-25,` another voter explained. `Even with Connor McDavid back, this Edmonton team would struggle in the playoffs without a healthy Draisaitl.`
However, some voters cautioned that the MVP race remains very close.
`It’s Draisaitl by a hair over Nathan MacKinnon,` one voter mentioned.
`Draisaitl is narrowly ahead, with Connor Hellebuyck second on my ballot,` another disclosed.
MacKinnon and Hellebuyck each received 20% of the first-place votes, securing the other two finalist positions.
MacKinnon is aiming to be the first back-to-back MVP since Alex Ovechkin in 2007-09. Since 1980, only three players have won the Hart in consecutive seasons: Ovechkin, Dominik Hasek (1996-98), and Wayne Gretzky, who had an eight-year MVP streak from 1979 to 1987.
MacKinnon`s best chance to win might be to secure the NHL scoring title, as he and Nikita Kucherov are closely competing for the Art Ross Trophy. This would be MacKinnon`s first scoring title.
Hellebuyck aims to be the first goalie MVP since Carey Price of Montreal in 2014-15, and only the third goalie to win in the last 25 seasons.
He has the workload and is crucial to his team`s success: the Jets have 53 wins, and he has 44 of them. He also leads in save percentage and goals-against average as of Wednesday. He is also top four in goals saved above expected.
`For me, it’s between him and Draisaitl,` a voter stated. `He has been the best goalie by far all season and has significantly improved the Jets` record.`
`Connor Hellebuyck deserves consideration, but he needs to finish strong, likely starting four of the last five regular-season games,` another suggested.
While MacKinnon and Hellebuyck are clear second options behind Draisaitl, Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning is also gaining momentum, with roughly 17% of first-place votes.
Kucherov, a 2019 Hart winner, is vying for his third NHL scoring title, trailing MacKinnon by one point as of Wednesday, despite playing six fewer games. Voters often consider the gap between an MVP candidate and their team`s next leading scorer. Kucherov has a significant 32-point lead over Brandon Hagel, the Lightning`s second-highest scorer.
`I’ve been supporting MacKinnon for much of the season, but Kucherov has truly impressed me in the second half,` a Kucherov voter admitted.
`Another incredible season being overlooked by many,` another voter commented. `He drives the offense more subtly than MacKinnon, McDavid, or Draisaitl, so his impact might be less obvious.`
Kucherov’s MVP chances are real, even if underestimated.
`It’s surprising sportsbooks have Kucherov at 50-1. He could lead the league in scoring and arguably should have won last season too,` a voter claimed.
The only other player to receive first-place Hart Trophy consideration was Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights. Like Kucherov, he has a large lead over his team`s second-highest scorer, 26 points ahead of Mark Stone.
`He deserves more attention as a dark-horse Hart candidate,` a voter suggested.
Other players mentioned in the voting included Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators, Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks, and Alex Ovechkin of Washington, noted for his goal-scoring ability. `Hearing from some voters that Ovechkin is making a push in this category,` one voter mentioned.
In the final stretch, Draisaitl leads the MVP race, but all top candidates have compelling arguments and strong voter support.
`This is the TOUGHEST year to choose a Hart winner,` a voter declared. `Can there be a tie?`
Norris Trophy (Top Defenseman)
Leader: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
Finalists: Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks; Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
Makar has been a Norris finalist for four consecutive seasons and won in 2021-22. He appears to have left no doubt this year with the most offensively dominant season of his career.
The Avalanche defenseman has a career-high 91 points in 79 games, 16 points more than the next highest-scoring defenseman, Werenski. His goal total is particularly striking: Makar is only the ninth defenseman in NHL history to score 30 goals, and the first since Mike Green in 2008-09.
Makar tends to downplay comparisons to `this generation’s Bobby Orr`, even when they come from figures like Wayne Gretzky. Scoring goals at this rate as a defenseman reinforces such comparisons.
`We are in a golden age of young defensemen in the NHL, and he’s the best among them,` a voter said.
`The 30 goals are impressive, but he contributes in all aspects for the Avalanche,` another added.
`The 30 goals and the playoff contention of Hughes’ and Werenski’s teams solidify it,` another Makar supporter explained.
Werenski led the Norris race last month, boosted by his performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off and the Blue Jackets` playoff push. However, with the Eastern Conference wild-card race becoming clearer and Makar’s offensive surge, Werenski’s lead was short-lived.
Werenski had 45% of first-place votes last month, which has decreased to 20% this month. MVP discussions around him have also diminished. Yet, he still has strong support among voters, deservedly so. He has 75 points in 76 games, leading the Blue Jackets, and averages nearly 27 minutes of ice time per game (26:58), the most in the NHL.
`I’m still backing Zach Werenski,` a voter declared.
`If the Blue Jackets make the playoffs, Werenski would be the MVP,` another stated. `Cale Makar will likely win, but Werenski plays significantly more minutes and does everything for Columbus.`
While neither Avalanche nor Blue Jackets fans may like to admit it, this Norris race will be remembered for the `what if` scenario involving Quinn Hughes of Vancouver, who was a strong contender before injuries affected his season. Hughes has 74 points in 64 games, including 16 goals, and his 1.16 points per game is slightly better than Makar’s (1.15).
Hughes was the only other defenseman to receive first-place votes, but with only 3% of the vote, he is a distant third.
`If only Quinn Hughes had stayed healthy all season,` a voter mused.
`Quinn Hughes might have made this race closer if not injured, but Makar is the clear winner, with respect to Zach Werenski, who is a deserving finalist and having a great season,` another offered.
Other defensemen mentioned in the voting include Victor Hedman of Tampa Bay, Jake Sanderson of Ottawa, Jaccob Slavin of Carolina, and Montreal rookie Lane Hutson.
Calder Trophy (Top Rookie)
Leader: Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens
Finalists: Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks; Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames
Hutson is leading the Calder Trophy race by a significant margin, according to our survey.
The Canadiens rookie received 87% of first-place votes in the final Awards Watch, a remarkable increase from just 11% last month. Since February 1st, Hutson has 25 points in 27 games, second on the Canadiens behind Nick Suzuki (35 points). For the season, Hutson has 6 goals and 58 assists in 78 games, averaging 22:39 of ice time.
It was clear from the start that Hutson would lead rookie defensemen in scoring—Drew Helleson of the Ducks is second, trailing Hutson by 51 points. Astonishingly, Hutson is also leading all rookies in points, surpassing talented forwards who were initially considered Calder contenders.
`Toughest choice among all awards, but his performance and impact on his team have been exceptional,` a voter proclaimed. `Might even get some Norris votes.`
`Hutson has not only been the best rookie, but also one of the most impactful defensemen in the league down the stretch,` another voter added.
Hutson and Wolf had an advantage over Celebrini in the final weeks of the Calder race as they were playing in meaningful games, while the Sharks rookie was not. The Flames are still in the wild-card chase, and the Canadiens are in a playoff position, largely thanks to Hutson.
`No disrespect to Macklin Celebrini or Matvei Michkov, but Hutson played in important games, which they did not,` a voter explained.
`Hutson’s point production this season is impressive, and he has elevated his game when the stakes increased,` another commented. `The Canadiens have been one of the hottest teams recently, and Hutson is a major reason why.`
`Lane Hutson solidified his position as my likely No. 1 choice with his late-season performance and defensive improvement throughout the year,` another Hutson supporter noted. `However, I still believe Celebrini was the best first-year player I watched this season.`
Celebrini, 18, led the Calder race for months before Hutson’s strong finish. His 57 points in 65 games (including 21 goals) are impressive on a struggling team, potentially surpassing last year’s Calder winner, Connor Bedard, in a similar number of games. Celebrini’s 0.88 points per game is also slightly higher than Hutson’s 0.83. However, Celebrini’s injury likely cost him the rookie award.
`Celebrini’s injury hurt his chances, and Montreal is heading to the playoffs,` a voter concluded.
`I was leaning towards Macklin Celebrini for most of the season, but I am now switching to Hutson,` another voter shared. `The 21-year-old should finish 2024-25 close to 80 points, ranking fourth among defensemen behind Makar, Werenski, and Hughes. He has also proven to be more defensively sound than expected.`
Celebrini and Wolf received similar first-place vote shares (around 7%). Wolf has been the top rookie goalie, with 26 wins and a .911 save percentage in 49 games, crucial for the Flames` playoff contention.
Several voters indicated Wolf would be second on their ballots behind Hutson.
`The dynamic defenseman and the Canadiens’ late surge push him ahead of Dustin Wolf in my view,` a voter noted.
Other players mentioned for the Calder include Michkov of the Flyers, Zack Bolduc of the St. Louis Blues, and Logan Stankoven of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender)
Note: NHL general managers vote for this award.
Leader: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
Finalists: Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings; Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning
There will be three Vezina Trophy finalists, acknowledging the achievements of two NHL goalies. However, Connor Hellebuyck is expected to win the Vezina for the second consecutive year, with the only question being the margin of victory.
If the PHWA were voting, Hellebuyck would likely receive all votes. For the second month, he was the unanimous choice among our surveyed voters.
`Dominated from start to finish,` a voter concluded.
`The only goalie who is also a Hart contender. Might as well engrave the trophy now,` another voter declared.
While Hellebuyck receives most credit for the Jets` successful season and Presidents` Trophy pursuit—44 wins in 60 starts—his stats are not significantly better than Vasilevskiy’s, who most voters ranked second.
As of Wednesday, Hellebuyck had a .924 save percentage, 2.02 goals-against average, and seven shutouts. Vasilevskiy had .923 save percentage, 2.14 goals-against average, and six shutouts. Vasilevskiy has a better goals-saved above expected (17.98) than Hellebuyck (16.69), but Hellebuyck`s advanced stats are also strong.
`Hellebuyck and Vasilevskiy are locks for the Vezina,` a voter argued.
Kuemper leads all goalies in goals saved above expected (19.1) and has a better save percentage on rush chances (.933) than the other two. His .922 save percentage in 47 games is also close to Hellebuyck and Vasilevskiy.
`Darcy Kuemper has quietly had an excellent season, completing the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade narrative, and should be a finalist,` a voter noted.
`Finalist` is likely the best outcome for anyone not named Connor Hellebuyck this season. He is poised to be the first back-to-back Vezina winner since Martin Brodeur (2006-08). This would be Hellebuyck`s third Vezina; only Brodeur, Dominik Hasek (6), and Patrick Roy (3) have won more since the current criteria were adopted in 1981.
Other goalies mentioned include Logan Thompson of the Capitals, Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars, Filip Gustavsson of the Wild, and Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers.
Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward)
Leader: Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers
Finalists: Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers; Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers
Although his vote share decreased for the third consecutive Awards Watch, Barkov has consistently led this race and is likely to win his third Selke in five seasons.
In February, Barkov had 60% of first-place votes, then 56% in March, and now 50%, still a comfortable lead for the Panthers star.
`It will take an extraordinary defensive season to unseat Aleksander Barkov at this point, and I don`t think anyone has achieved it,` a voter opined.
The Selke is familiar with repeat winners. If Barkov wins, he will join Patrice Bergeron, Pavel Datsyuk, and Rod Brind`Amour as back-to-back winners. Bergeron last achieved this from 2021-23, his fifth and sixth Selke trophies.
Reinhart, Barkov’s teammate, is a distant second with about 17% of first-place votes.
`Reinhart has been more impressive of the Florida duo,` one voter argued. `He has faced fewer expected goals against, similar goals against in comparable matchups, and maintained excellent defensive play with Barkov out of the lineup.`
Draisaitl, a new entrant to the Selke top three, is recognized for his defensive abilities, which also boost his MVP candidacy.
`He is not getting enough credit for his strong play at both ends of the ice this season,` a voter noted. `The only issue is he doesn’t kill penalties.`
One voter disagreed with the penalty-killing issue, noting Draisaitl earned about 13% of the vote.
`Name another forward who played over 800 minutes at 5-on-5 and was around 60% in shot, goal, and expected goal share,` they explained. `His numbers are better than Barkov’s, and he played 200 more minutes. Barkov playing 100 minutes on the PK doesn’t change that.`
Six other players received first-place Selke votes but not enough to reach the top three: Anthony Cirelli (Lightning), Jack Eichel (Golden Knights), Nico Hischier (Devils), Adam Lowry (Jets), Mitch Marner (Maple Leafs), and Jordan Staal (Hurricanes), all seeking their first Selke win.
`Lowry has a strong goal share, including against top opponents, and takes on tough matchups,` a voter offered.
The Selke race in the final days of the season hinges on whether any challengers can overcome Barkov and his established reputation.
`I appreciate Barkov’s complete game, but he is not performing at his usual level,` one voter who chose an alternative option revealed.
Lady Byng Trophy (Gentlemanly Play)
This is where it should be mentioned that the Lady Byng Trophy should be voted on by on-ice officials or the NHL Players` Association, not the PHWA.
Traditionally, this award goes to a player with top 20 points and minimal penalty minutes.
Jack Eichel of Vegas has 93 points in 76 games with eight penalty minutes. Nick Suzuki of Montreal has 86 points in 78 games with six penalty minutes. However, Brayden Point of Tampa Bay has 79 points in 72 games with only one minor penalty this season—a tripping call on November 30 against Toronto. Truly a gentleman!
Jack Adams Award (Best Coach)
Note: NHL Broadcasters` Association votes on this award.
Leader: Spencer Carbery, Washington Capitals
Finalists: Scott Arniel, Winnipeg Jets; Martin St. Louis, Montreal Canadiens
`Spencer Carbery, and anyone saying otherwise is joking.`
This sentiment from a surveyed voter is not unique. Carbery received 77% of first-place votes for leading the Capitals through an unprecedented season: from offseason additions to a jump from wild card contention to the Presidents` Trophy race, through Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record and Ovechkin’s injury after a hot start.
Carbery kept the Capitals focused and effective. Through 77 games, they had the fourth-highest points percentage (.695) in franchise history.
`The Jack Adams rarely goes to the best team’s coach, but it should this year. The Capitals improved significantly, stayed competitive when Ovechkin was injured, and Carbery managed the team well during Ovechkin’s goal chase,` a voter explained. `They maintained their identity and kept winning. He deserves significant credit.`
Carbery is in his second season with Washington.
`He should have won last year for leading a weak team to the playoffs. Now he has a better team, in first place overall,` another voter declared. `His ability to get Ovechkin to buy into his system is key to both Ovi’s and the team’s success.`
Arniel’s Jets are close to the Capitals at the top of the league. While Hellebuyck receives much credit, some voters believe Arniel deserves recognition in his first season as Jets head coach, giving him 10% of first-place votes.
St. Louis moved into the top three with about 7% of first-place votes, due to the Canadiens’ late-season surge into playoff contention.
Jim Montgomery of the St. Louis Blues was also close behind St. Louis.
`Despite being fired by the Boston Bruins in November, Montgomery is worthy of Jack Adams consideration. He would be the first coach nominated for guiding multiple teams in one season,` a voter noted.
While St. Louis had more first-place votes, Montgomery was a strong second choice for Carbery voters. Montgomery could easily be in the top three for the Jack Adams with the Blues in playoff contention.
Dean Evason of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who was in the top three last month, has dropped out as his team’s playoff push fades. However, he did receive a first-place vote and some top-three mentions.
`Dean Evason had the most challenging job this season and remains a sentimental and deserving candidate,` a voter concluded.
For the Jack Adams and other awards, the final performance is crucial. We are seeing who is finishing strong in these awards races.
