With the Stanley Cup Final underway, the National Hockey League has begun revealing some of its major award recipients in advance of the official NHL Awards ceremony later this month.
Most recently, the league announced that Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson is the winner of the prestigious Calder Trophy, awarded to the league`s top rookie. Hutson garnered an overwhelming majority of votes, receiving 165 out of 191 first-place ballots. He finished ahead of the other two finalists: Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf and San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini.
Hutson`s remarkable season saw him lead all rookies in points with 66, making him only the fourth defenseman in the modern era (since 1943-44) to achieve this feat. He joins an elite group including Bobby Orr (41), Brian Leetch (71), and Quinn Hughes (53). His 60 assists tied Larry Murphy (Kings, 1980-81) for the most assists by a rookie defenseman in NHL history. Hutson is the third Canadiens player to win the Calder Trophy since the expansion era began in 1967-68, following Brendan Gallagher (2012-13) and Ken Dryden (1971-72).
Earlier, the NHL also revealed that Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers won his second consecutive Selke Trophy. Barkov, recognized as the forward who best excels defensively, was chosen over fellow Florida-based players Anthony Cirelli and Sam Reinhart. The Panthers captain had another outstanding season contributing significantly at both ends of the rink. He helped lead Florida to a top-10 ranking in goals-against per game (seventh, 2.72) and a tenth-place finish in penalty killing efficiency (80.7%).
The remaining NHL awards are scheduled to be presented at the main 2025 NHL Awards ceremony, which will take place on June 12, just before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.
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 straight Selke Trophy win and the third of his career. He was widely considered the favorite again, thanks to his exceptional two-way play, including a plus-13 goal differential at five-on-five, facing the toughest opponents, and still producing 71 offensive points. Barkov continues to dominate this category.
Calder Trophy
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)
Lane Hutson might have been seen as a potential dark horse for the Calder, especially with highly touted prospects like Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov beginning their pro careers. However, Hutson truly excelled, registering 66 points (six goals, 60 assists) and becoming just the fourth defenseman in the modern era to lead all NHL rookies in scoring. Hutson quickly established himself as a key defender for Montreal, becoming an important part of their young core which reached the Stanley Cup playoffs this season.
Jack Adams Award
Awarded 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 claimed the Jack Adams Award in only his second season as the head coach of the Capitals. Prior to this role, he served as an assistant with the Maple Leafs and coached the Capitals` AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. Carbery has compiled a strong 91-53-20 record over two seasons, guiding the Capitals to the postseason in both campaigns.
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)
Norris Trophy
Given to `the defensive player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.`
- Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks)
- Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
- Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets)
Ted Lindsay Award
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
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)
