As the Stanley Cup Final progresses, the National Hockey League is incrementally announcing winners for its various awards ahead of the main NHL Awards ceremony scheduled for later this month.
In a recent announcement, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche was named the recipient of the Norris Trophy, recognizing the league`s top defenseman. Makar received an overwhelming majority with 176 out of 191 first-place votes, finishing ahead of finalists Zach Werenski from the Columbus Blue Jackets and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks.
Makar`s exceptional season included becoming the first defenseman to score 30 goals in a single season since Mike Green achieved the feat in 2008-09 with the Washington Capitals. He also joined an elite group, becoming only the fifth defenseman in NHL history to record back-to-back 90-point seasons, a list that includes legends like Paul Coffey and Al MacInnis. Furthermore, Makar`s 30 goals set a new franchise record for defensemen for the Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques.
Another award announced was the Calder Trophy, presented to the league`s top rookie, which went to Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson. Hutson secured 165 of the 191 first-place votes, beating out the other two finalists, goaltender Dustin Wolf of the Calgary Flames and forward Macklin Celebrini from the San Jose Sharks.
Lane Hutson made history as just the fourth defenseman in the modern NHL era (since 1943-44) to lead all rookies in scoring, finishing with 66 points. He joins a prestigious list that includes Bobby Orr (41), Brian Leetch (71), and Quinn Hughes (53) as the only defensemen to achieve this distinction. His 60 assists tied Larry Murphy (Kings, 1980-81) for the most assists by a rookie defenseman in NHL history. Winning the Calder Trophy makes Hutson the third Canadiens player to earn the award in the expansion era (since 1967-68), following Brendan Gallagher (2012-13) and Ken Dryden (1971-72).
The remaining NHL award winners will be revealed at the 2025 NHL Awards ceremony, scheduled for June 12th, prior to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Norris Trophy
The Norris Trophy is presented 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)
This marks Cale Makar`s second Norris Trophy win in the last four seasons, having been a finalist in five of his first six NHL campaigns. He joins Erik Karlsson as the only active defensemen with multiple Norris awards. Makar led all defensemen in the regular season with 92 points, including league-best totals in goals (30), assists (62), and power-play goals (12) for players at his position. At 26, Makar is in the prime of his career and is expected to add more hardware to his collection.
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)
Aleksander Barkov earns his second consecutive Selke Trophy, and third overall. He was a strong favorite again this year, known for taking on tough matchups and maintaining a plus-13 goal differential at five-on-five, while also contributing significantly offensively with 71 points. Barkov`s dominance in the defensive forward category shows no signs of slowing down.
Calder Trophy
The Calder Trophy is presented 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 was perhaps considered an outside chance for the Calder, especially with promising rookies like Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov starting their pro careers. However, Hutson excelled, scoring 66 points (six goals & 60 assists) and becoming the fourth defenseman in the modern NHL era (since 1943-44) to lead all rookies in scoring. Hutson quickly established himself as a key defenseman for Montreal`s young, playoff-bound team.
Jack Adams Award
The Jack Adams Award is 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)
Spencer Carbery receives the Jack Adams Award in only his second season coaching the Capitals. Prior to this, he served as an assistant with the Maple Leafs and coached the Capitals` AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. Carbery has compiled a 91-53-20 record over two seasons, guiding Washington to the postseason in both campaigns.
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 presented annually 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)
