Unveiling the Future: Who Will Claim NHL’s Coveted Individual Honors in 2025-26?

The Hart Trophy: The League`s Most Valuable Player

The Hart Trophy, awarded annually to the player judged most valuable to his team, is the crown jewel of individual NHL honors. Its lineage is steeped in legend, with only a select few managing to claim it multiple times. After Connor Hellebuyck`s remarkable 2024-25 campaign saw a goaltender seize the award for the first time in a decade, the field for 2025-26 looks primed for another compelling narrative.

Favorite: Connor McDavid

Predicting Connor McDavid to contend for the Hart Trophy is akin to predicting the sun will rise: utterly predictable, yet undeniably impactful. The Edmonton Oilers` captain, a two-time Hart winner in the past five seasons, remains unequivocally the best player in the world. After consecutive Stanley Cup Final heartbreaks, McDavid`s motivation will likely reach stratospheric levels. Imagine a player of his caliber, already in the pantheon of multi-Hart winners alongside Gretzky and Orr, with an even deeper fire in his belly. Should he opt not to sign an extension before next summer, the 2025-26 season could also represent a monumental “swan song” with the Oilers, adding another layer of intensity to his pursuit of individual and team glory.

Under the Radar: Auston Matthews

With Mitch Marner`s recent departure to the Vegas Golden Knights, Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews steps into a new spotlight. Already a Hart Trophy winner in 2021-22 with a remarkable 60-goal season, Matthews will now be tasked with shouldering an even larger offensive burden on Toronto`s top line. This increased responsibility could unlock a new gear for the prolific goal-scorer, forcing him to take over games on a nightly basis. If the Maple Leafs are to contend, Matthews`s performance will be paramount, making him a prime candidate for MVP consideration should he rise to the occasion.

Longshot: Mitch Marner

Mitch Marner`s move to the Vegas Golden Knights represents a significant shift for the dynamic playmaker. Skating alongside a talent like Jack Eichel on the top line, Marner will have ample opportunity to demonstrate his exceptional vision and passing prowess. Coming off his first 100-point season (27 goals, 75 assists) in Toronto, a change of scenery to a Stanley Cup contender could ignite an even more dominant campaign. While a Hart Trophy win would require a truly historic individual season, playing for a winning team and consistently impacting the scoresheet could elevate Marner into the longshot conversation, proving that sometimes, a fresh start is exactly what a star needs.

The Calder Trophy: The NHL`s Top Rookie

The Calder Trophy race is arguably the most unpredictable, a thrilling lottery ticket on untapped potential. Unlike other awards, it`s a single shot at glory, a chance for a newly minted professional to make an immediate impact. After Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson`s impressive rookie year in 2024-25, the 2025-26 season is poised to introduce another crop of future stars.

Favorite: Ivan Demidov

Selected fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2024 NHL Draft, winger Ivan Demidov already has a taste of NHL action, including a goal in his debut. His brief stint late in the 2024-25 season showcased his “polarizing” ability, tremendous vision, and elite hockey IQ. As the Canadiens aim for a playoff push after acquiring defenseman Noah Dobson, Demidov`s transition to a full-time NHL role could be seamless, vaulting him to the top of the Calder Trophy conversation. Expect him to be a central figure in Montreal`s offensive strategy.

Under the Radar: Michael Misa

The San Jose Sharks continued their talent accumulation by drafting Michael Misa second overall. Misa is an incredibly gifted offensive asset, evidenced by his staggering 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) in the OHL. While his immediate placement on the Sharks` opening night roster remains uncertain, his talent is undeniable. If he makes the jump to the NHL, his innate scoring ability and playmaking will make him an instant threat and a strong contender for rookie honors, especially on a team that will likely offer him significant ice time to develop.

Longshot: Zayne Parekh

Calgary Flames defenseman Zayne Parekh, like Demidov, got a late-season taste of NHL action, scoring in his first game. The 2024 first-round pick showcased immense offensive “chops” in the OHL with 107 points (33 goals, 74 assists) in 2024-25. His likelihood of making the Flames` opening night roster is high, particularly if Calgary moves veteran defenseman Rasmus Andersson. Parekh`s offensive flair from the blue line could quickly make him a fan favorite and a legitimate longshot in the Calder race, demonstrating that rookie success isn`t solely reserved for forwards.

The Vezina Trophy: The League`s Best Goaltender

In the unforgiving realm of goaltending, consistency is king, and for the past two seasons, Connor Hellebuyck has worn the crown with monarchical authority. The Winnipeg Jets netminder has not only captured two consecutive Vezina Trophies but also added the Hart Trophy to his collection in 2024-25. While he remains the undisputed favorite, a talented field of challengers is eager to dethrone him.

Favorite: Connor Hellebuyck

Given his back-to-back Vezina wins, it`s hardly surprising that Connor Hellebuyck is the overwhelming favorite. His 47-12-3 record, coupled with a stellar 2.00 goals-against-average and a .925 save percentage in 2024-25, paints a picture of unparalleled consistency and dominance. Hellebuyck has set the modern standard for elite goaltending, proving time and again that he can single-handedly steal games. Until another netminder delivers a season that truly eclipses his sustained excellence, Hellebuyck remains the benchmark.

Under the Radar: Dustin Wolf

Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf, fresh off a second-place finish in the Calder Trophy race, had an impressive rookie campaign as Calgary`s undisputed number one following Jacob Markstrom`s trade. His 29-16-8 record, 2.64 GAA, and .910 save percentage (tied for ninth in the NHL) were pivotal in the Flames` playoff push. While winning the Vezina in his second full season would be a monumental leap, Wolf possesses the talent and the starting role to make significant noise. His performance will be crucial to Calgary`s success, potentially propelling him into an elite category.

Longshot: Sergei Bobrovsky

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky continues to defy Father Time, aging like a fine wine. The veteran netminder played a crucial role in the Panthers` Stanley Cup victory, posting a 33-19-2 record with a 2.44 GAA (fifth-lowest in the league) and a .905 save percentage in 2024-25. When Bobrovsky is “locked in,” there are few goaltenders as formidable. While Hellebuyck sets a high bar, a slight dip from the favorite or a continued surge from Bobrovsky could place the Russian veteran firmly back in the Vezina conversation, showcasing the enduring power of experience and big-game performance.

The Norris Trophy: The League`s Best Defenseman

The Norris Trophy, celebrating the NHL`s top defenseman, has seen a rotating cast of elite talents in recent years. While Colorado Avalanche superstar Cale Makar has claimed the award in two of the last four seasons, including 2024-25, the defensive landscape is rich with skill. The debate often centers on what truly defines the “best” defenseman – is it offensive firepower, defensive solidity, or a perfect blend of both?

Favorite: Cale Makar

Cale Makar enters the 2025-26 season as a heavy favorite, and for good reason. He is arguably the most electrifying offensive defenseman in the game, a true game-changer from the blue line. His career-best 92 points (30 goals, 62 assists) in 2024-25, leading all defensemen in goals, assists, and power-play goals, cemented his status. Makar consistently produces double-digit goals and has tallied at least 21 goals in three of the last four campaigns. Until a rival defenseman can consistently match his offensive output and overall impact, Makar remains the undisputed front-runner for the Norris Trophy, a true offensive maestro on skates.

Under the Radar: Zach Werenski

While Quinn Hughes often holds the second-best odds behind Makar, Columbus Blue Jackets blue-liner Zach Werenski deserves serious consideration as one of the league`s top defensemen. After being limited by injury in 2022-23, Werenski surged with a career-high 82 points and 23 goals in 2024-25, contributing 139 points over the past two seasons. He offers an impressive combination of offensive prowess and defensive reliability, providing strong value at his current odds. If Makar or Hughes experience a slight regression, Werenski could easily find himself leading the Norris Trophy discussion, completing his ascent to the top tier of NHL defensemen.

Longshot: Evan Bouchard

For the Norris Trophy, offensive metrics often carry significant weight, which plays directly into the strengths of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. Bouchard is one of the league`s most gifted playmakers from the back end, particularly lethal on the power play alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. He has notched 32 goals over the past two seasons and even finished fifth in Norris Trophy voting in 2023-24. While his defensive game is still evolving, his offensive contributions are undeniable. While a longshot, it wouldn`t be surprising to see Bouchard once again in the Norris mix, especially if the Oilers` potent offense continues to pad his statistics.