As the Stanley Cup Final progresses, the National Hockey League has begun revealing some of its major award recipients ahead of the official NHL Awards ceremony scheduled for later this month.
Among the recent announcements, Cale Makar was presented with the Norris Trophy, recognizing him as the league`s top defenseman. Makar received significant support, securing 176 out of 191 first-place votes, surpassing finalists Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks.
Makar`s season was historic; he became the first defenseman since Mike Green in 2008-09 to score 30 goals in a single campaign. Furthermore, he joined an elite group as only the fifth defenseman in history to achieve consecutive 90-point seasons, a list that includes legends like Paul Coffey and Al MacInnis. His 30 goals also set a new franchise record for defensemen for the Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques.
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson was also a winner, claiming the Calder Trophy for the league`s top rookie. Hutson received 165 of 191 first-place votes, finishing ahead of the other two finalists: Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf and San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini.
Hutson made history as only the fourth defenseman in the modern era (post-1943) to lead all rookies in scoring, finishing with 66 points. He joins a distinguished list alongside Bobby Orr (41), Brian Leetch (71), and Quinn Hughes (53). His 60 assists tied Larry Murphy`s record (Los Angeles Kings, 1980-81) for the most assists by a rookie defenseman in NHL history. Hutson`s Calder win also 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 remaining NHL awards for the 2024-25 season are scheduled to be revealed at the main NHL Awards ceremony on June 12, just before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Norris Trophy
Awarded to `the defensive player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability at the position.`
- Winner: Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
- Finalist: Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks)
- Finalist: Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets)
This marks Makar`s second Norris win in the past four seasons, having been a finalist in five of his first six NHL campaigns. He now stands with Erik Karlsson as the only active defensemen to have won the trophy multiple times. Makar led all defensemen during the regular season with 92 points, including league-best marks for blue-liners in goals (30), assists (62), and power-play goals (12). At 26, Makar is in the prime of his career and appears poised to contend for more awards.
Selke Trophy
Presented 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 Barkov`s second consecutive Selke Trophy and his third overall. As expected, he was a strong candidate, demonstrating exceptional defensive play with a plus-13 five-on-five goal differential while consistently facing top opponents. His offensive contribution of 71 points further solidified his case. Barkov continues to dominate defensively, suggesting his run of Selke wins may well continue.
Calder Trophy
Awarded 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)
Initially, Hutson might have been seen as an underdog for the Calder, especially with highly touted rookies like Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov entering the league. However, Hutson excelled, recording 66 points (6 goals, 60 assists) and becoming only the fourth defenseman in the modern era (since 1943-44) to finish as the leading rookie scorer. He quickly emerged as a key defenseman for Montreal, contributing significantly to their playoff appearance this season.
Jack Adams Award
Given 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)
Carbery received the Jack Adams Award in only his second year coaching the Capitals. His background includes time as an assistant with the Maple Leafs and head coach for the Capitals` AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. Under his guidance, the Capitals have achieved a 91-53-20 record over two seasons, securing a playoff berth in both.
Vezina Trophy
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
Annually awarded to `the most outstanding player in the NHL.`
- Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)
- Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
Hart Trophy
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
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
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)
