While the intensity of the Stanley Cup Final unfolds, the National Hockey League is progressively announcing winners for some of its key awards, leading up to the main NHL Awards ceremony later this month.
Most recently, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche was named the recipient of the Norris Trophy, which recognizes the league`s top defenseman. Makar secured the honor with a commanding 176 out of 191 first-place votes, surpassing fellow finalists Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks.
Makar`s impressive season saw him become the first defenseman to score 30 goals in a single season since Mike Green achieved it for the Washington Capitals in 2008-09. He also joined an elite group, becoming just the fifth defenseman ever to record back-to-back 90-point seasons, a feat previously accomplished by legends like Paul Coffey and Al MacInnis. Makar`s 30 goals also set a franchise record for defensemen for the Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques organization in a single season.
In other award news, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson claimed the Calder Trophy, presented to the league`s most outstanding 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 became only the fourth defenseman in the modern era (since 1943-44) to lead all rookies in points, tallying 66. He joins a prestigious list including Bobby Orr (41), Brian Leetch (71), and Quinn Hughes (53) as the only blue-liners to achieve this distinction. His 60 assists matched Larry Murphy`s total (Kings, 1980-81) for the most by a rookie defenseman in NHL history. With his Calder Trophy win, he is 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 awards will be revealed at the 2025 NHL Awards ceremony, scheduled for June 12th, coinciding with the lead-up to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Norris Trophy
Awarded 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 victory 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 wins. Makar led all defensemen in the regular season with 92 points, including league-leading totals in goals (30), assists (62), and power-play goals (12). At 26, Makar is in the prime of his career and is expected to add more accolades in the future.
Selke Trophy
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 claims his second consecutive Selke Trophy and third overall. He was a strong favorite, recognized for his excellent defensive play, tough matchups, and a plus-13 goal differential at five-on-five, while also contributing 71 points offensively. His dominance in the defensive forward role shows no signs of slowing down.
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)
Lane Hutson might have been considered a dark horse early on, especially with highly touted prospects like Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov turning pro. However, Hutson thrived, scoring 66 points (six goals, 60 assists) and becoming the fourth defenseman in the modern era to lead all NHL rookies in scoring. Hutson established himself as a key building block and top defender for the young Canadiens team that made the Stanley Cup playoffs this season.
Jack Adams Award
Awarded 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 earned the Jack Adams Award in just his second season as head coach of the Washington Capitals. Previously an assistant with the Maple Leafs and head coach of the Capitals` AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, Carbery has compiled a 91-53-20 record over two seasons, leading the Capitals to the postseason 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,” 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)
Elton Marrow