While the Stanley Cup Final is underway, the National Hockey League has been announcing some of its prestigious award winners ahead of the official NHL Awards ceremony scheduled for later this month.
Recently, Cale Makar was revealed as the recipient of the Norris Trophy, presented to the league`s top defenseman. Makar received an overwhelming majority of the votes, earning 176 out of 191 first-place ballots, finishing ahead of fellow finalists Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks).
Makar`s impressive season included scoring 30 goals, a feat not accomplished by an NHL defenseman since Mike Green in the 2008-09 season. He also became just the fifth defenseman in league history to record back-to-back 90-point campaigns, joining the likes of Paul Coffey and Al MacInnis. His 30 goals set a new franchise record for defensemen for the Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques organization.
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson also claimed the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league`s best rookie. Hutson secured 165 out of 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 honor.
Hutson is only the fourth defenseman in the modern era (since 1943-44) to lead all rookies in scoring, tallying 66 points. This puts him in exclusive company alongside Bobby Orr, Brian Leetch, and Quinn Hughes. His 60 assists tied Larry Murphy`s record for assists by a rookie defenseman, set in 1980-81. With his Calder win, Hutson becomes the third Canadiens player since the 1967 expansion to receive the award, joining Brendan Gallagher (2012-13) and Ken Dryden (1971-72).
The remaining awards were announced at the 2025 NHL Awards ceremony held on June 12th. A major highlight was Connor Hellebuyck receiving his third Vezina Trophy as the league`s best goaltender, and for the first time, winning the Hart Trophy as the player judged most valuable to his team.
Hart Trophy
Awarded annually to the player judged most valuable to his team.
- Winner: Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
- Finalist: Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Finalist: Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)
In addition to his third Vezina Trophy, Hellebuyck secured his first Hart Trophy, becoming the first goaltender to win MVP since Carey Price in 2014-15. This was Hellebuyck`s first nomination for the Hart. He joins an elite group as the eighth goaltender ever to receive the award, a list that includes legends like Dominik Hasek and Jacques Plante.
Norris Trophy
Awarded annually 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)
Makar claimed his second career Norris Trophy within the last four seasons, having been a finalist in five of his initial six NHL campaigns. He is one of only two active defensemen with multiple Norris wins, alongside Erik Karlsson. Makar led all NHL defensemen in the regular season with 92 points, including league-leading marks in goals (30), assists (62), and power-play goals (12). At 26, Makar is in his prime and is expected to add more accolades in the future.
Selke Trophy
Awarded annually 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 marks Barkov`s second consecutive Selke win and third overall. He was a clear favorite, demonstrating exceptional defensive play with a plus-13 goal differential at five-on-five against top opponents, while also contributing significantly offensively with 71 points. His dominance in the defensive forward category shows no sign of slowing down.
Calder Trophy
Awarded annually 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`s Calder win might have been seen as an upset by some, considering other prominent rookies like Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov. However, Hutson excelled with 66 points (6 goals, 60 assists), becoming the fourth defenseman in the modern era to lead all rookies in scoring. He established himself as Montreal`s top blueliner and a vital player for their young, playoff-bound team.
Jack Adams Award
Given annually to the head coach who 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 earned the Jack Adams Award in only his second season as the Washington Capitals head coach. His coaching background includes time as a Maple Leafs assistant and leading the Capitals` AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. Carbery compiled a 91-53-20 record over two seasons, guiding the Capitals to the postseason in both.
Vezina Trophy
Awarded annually to the goaltender adjudged to be the best at his position.
- Winner: Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
- Finalist: Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings)
- Finalist: Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Hellebuyck won the Vezina Trophy for the second year in a row and third time overall, adding to his wins in 2019-20 and 2023-24. In the past season, Hellebuyck posted a 47-12-3 record, setting new career highs with eight shutouts and a league-leading 2.00 Goals Against Average.
Ted Lindsay Award
Awarded annually to the most outstanding player in the NHL, as voted by the players.
- Winner: Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Finalist: Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)
- Finalist: Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
Awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
- Winner: Sean Monahan (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Finalist: Marc-Andre Fleury (Minnesota Wild)
- Finalist: Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado Avalanche)
Lady Byng Trophy
Awarded annually to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.
- Winner: Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings)
- Finalist: Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights)
- Finalist: Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning)
