As the Stanley Cup Final is underway, the National Hockey League continues to announce recipients for some of its annual awards ahead of the main NHL Awards ceremony later this month.
Most recently, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar was named the winner of the Norris Trophy, presented to the league`s top defenseman. Makar received the vast majority of first-place votes, securing 176 out of 191, to finish ahead of fellow finalists Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks.
Makar`s season included becoming the first defenseman to score 30 goals in a single season since Mike Green did so with the Washington Capitals in 2008-09. He also achieved consecutive 90-point seasons, a feat only accomplished by four other defensemen in history: Paul Coffey and Al MacInnis. Furthermore, Makar`s 30 goals established a new franchise record for defensemen for the Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques.
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson also earned an award, winning the Calder Trophy as the league`s top rookie. Hutson received 165 out of 191 first-place votes, beating out the other two finalists: Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf and San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini.
Hutson is just the fourth defenseman in the modern era (since 1943-44) to lead all rookies in points, finishing with 66. He joins an elite group that includes Bobby Orr (41), Brian Leetch (71), and Quinn Hughes (53). His 60 assists tied Larry Murphy (Kings, 1980-81) for the most by a rookie defenseman in NHL history. Hutson`s Calder win makes him the third Canadiens player to receive the award in the expansion era (since 1967-68), following Brendan Gallagher (2012-13) and Ken Dryden (1971-72).
The winners for the remaining NHL awards are scheduled to be announced at the 2025 NHL Awards ceremony on June 12, preceding Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Norris Trophy
The Norris Trophy is given 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)
This marks Makar`s second Norris Trophy victory in the last four seasons. He has been a finalist in five of his first six NHL campaigns. The Avalanche blueliner joins Erik Karlsson of the Penguins as the only active defensemen with multiple Norris wins. Makar led all NHL defensemen in the regular season with 92 points, topping the charts for blueliners in goals (30), assists (62), and power-play goals (12). At 26 years old, Makar is in the prime of his career and is expected to add more hardware in the future.
Selke Trophy
The Selke Trophy is awarded 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 is Aleksander Barkov`s second consecutive Selke Trophy win and third overall. He was a strong favorite, recognized for his exceptional defensive play, including a +13 goal differential at five-on-five, while also facing tough assignments and contributing 71 offensive points. Barkov`s consistent elite defensive performance shows no signs of decline.
Calder Trophy
The Calder Trophy is given 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)
While some observers considered players like Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov (Philadelphia Flyers) as potential Calder favorites, Lane Hutson had a standout rookie season. He finished with 66 points (6 goals, 60 assists), becoming the fourth defenseman in the modern era (since 1943-44) to lead all NHL rookies in scoring. Hutson quickly established himself as a key defenseman for Montreal and is a significant piece for their young team, which reached the Stanley Cup playoffs this season.
Jack Adams Award
The Jack Adams Award is given to the head coach that `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 received the Jack Adams Award in only his second season as the head coach of the Washington Capitals. His previous experience includes being an assistant coach with the Maple Leafs and coaching the Capitals` AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. Under Carbery, the Capitals have compiled a 91-53-20 record over the past two seasons and have qualified for the postseason in both years.
Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is awarded `to the goaltender adjudged to be the best at his position.`
- Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
- Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings)
- Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Ted Lindsay Award
The Ted Lindsay Award is annually awarded to `the most outstanding player in the NHL` as voted by the players.
- Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)
- Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
Hart Trophy
The Hart Trophy is given `to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team.`
- Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)
- Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
The Masterton Trophy is awarded to `the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.`
- Marc-Andre Fleury (Minnesota Wild)
- Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado Avalanche)
- Sean Monahan (Columbus Blue Jackets)
Lady Byng Trophy
The Lady Byng Trophy is annually awarded `to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.`
- Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights)
- Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings)
- Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning)
