It is amazing how much a month can make a big difference.
According to our voters, nearly every major NHL award has a leader. Some runners-up in the first month of the season have rocketed into front-runner status.
Except for the Selke Trophy. That’s status quo.
The NHL Awards Watch December is now open. We polled a variety of Professional Hockey Writers Association members anonymously to find out where the winds are blowing for current leaders. To get as many perspectives possible, we made sure that it included all leagues.
Keep in mind that the PHWA votes to select the Hart, Norris Calder, Selke, Selke, and Lady Byng finalists. Broadcasters vote for the Jack Adams. General managers manage the Vezina. Remember the Hart’s unofficial “you gotta win it” protocol.
All stats are taken from Hockey-Reference.com, Natural Stat Trick Evolving Hockey.
Jump ahead:
Ross | Richard | Hart
Norris | Selke | Vezina
Calder | Byng | Adams
Art Ross Trophy (points leader).
Current leader: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Pay attention to: Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars
Longer shot: Mikko Rantanen, Colorado Avalanche
Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy (leading goal scorer)
Current leader: Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars
Pay attention to: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Longer shot: Tage Thompson, Buffalo Sabres
Hart Trophy (MVP).
Leader: Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars
Finalists: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers; David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins
Now, we live in Jason Robertson’s world.
Stars forward Robertson led the NHL with 19 goals in 23 games and was second to McDavid (36 points). Robertson, who has been an elite goal scorer the past two seasons, averaged 5.40 goals per hour in the NHL. His streak of 16 games with points included 10 multipoint wins.
In the 13 wins of the team, 23-year-old scored 23 points. His line with Joe Pavelski Roope Hintz With a expected goals percentage of 59.6%, is one of the NHL’s most dominant players. Robertson’s expected goals percentage is 14% higher than his peers, making him the Stars’ best player.
Nearly 60% of our panelists voted for him as the winner.
“Best player in one of the most surprising NHL teams this season. One voter said that he is the “real deal”.
“Dallas appears much improved, yet his line is still scoring over 40 percent of that team’s goals. Another voter stated that it was absurd.
Robertson’s backer added that McDavid was beaten by Robertson due to the combination of individual and collective results.
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Jason Robertson scores a goal in the match against the Blues
McDavid, the leader last month’s NHL Awards Watch Hart Trophy, was the clear number 2. 2 choice. He was the NHL’s leading scorer and player in points per game (1.77), with 39 points from 22 games. McDavid scored 29 points in Edmonton’s 12 victories. He is second in the NHL with 12.3 goals expected.
They are a different team when he is cutting through opposing defences and creating opportunities. This could also be said of Leon DraisaitlThe Oilers’ defender, who scored 33 points in 22 games and had five game-winning goals.
Some McDavid supporters acknowledged that Robertson could win the MVP award. One McDavid voter stated, “I’m jumping on Jason Robertson’s bandwagon [if he scores more 15 goals and 11 assists] in December.”
Pastrnak, a star winger for the Bruins who had 32 points in 22 games played for the NHL’s top teams, came in third. Pastrnak is the league’s second-best forward for generating shots this season. His performance on power plays was outstanding, but his 5-on-5 play at returning center was exceptional. David Krejci Pastrnak has played in both of the dominant lines for the B. Pastrnak is McDavid’s only opponent in the four games Pastrnak has not played that have earned him at least one point. (Robertson has played only three games without scoring.
Is there any other player who received a vote from our panelists but you? Not Nikita KucherovWho has posted MVP numbers for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Not Sidney Crosby (31 points in 23 video games) Matthew Tkachuk (29 points in 21 of our games, 10 more than any other team) Florida Panthers forward). Not Erik KarlssonRobertson is second in the expected goals above replacement (12.1), while he is third.
It wasn’t. Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar. The voter stated, “He leads the league with 26.45 per game.” He is second in power-play minutes and fifth in short-handed minutes.
Norris Trophy (top defenseman)
Leader: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
Finalists: Adam Fox, New York Rangers; Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks
This is so much fun! In terms of the number received first-place votes, Karlsson and Makar were tied. The Sharks are the most successful offensive defenseman in the last decade. Karlsson is the best offensive defenseman in the past decade. But what could become the best offensive defensiveman in the current decade is what he does with his Avalanche team?
Makar was the No. 2. preference for some Karlsson voters. He’s Cale Makar, who won last season’s Norris and was a finalist in the previous two seasons. Karlsson, Duncan Keith and Nicklas Lilidstrom. Victor Hedman As the Norris voters will attest, they can fall in love with a defenceman and love them for several seasons.
Makar’s offense actually is down one tick (1.05 points per game) compared to some of his opponents this season. However, he’s still playing in all situations. He averages an NHL-best 26.45 minutes of ice time per games. He’s clearly enjoying an elite season, which is not “what Cale Makar did previously.”
Karlsson, who is a two-time Norris finalist and a Norris winner, is having a great comeback season for the Sharks. His 32 points in 25 contests (1.28 points/game average) lead the NHL’s defensemen. There will be questions about his defensive effectiveness — he doesn’t kill penalties often, for instance — but the counterargument is that Karlsson’s offense is his best defense.
One voter stated, “Pretty simple choice right now.” “The offense is amazing and the Sharks go 5 on 5 with him to plus-5, and then to minus-20 without him.”
Fox, who won Norris in two seasons ago, is third, even though he did not receive the same support from other candidates. He was a popular choice for the second slot, so he is now in the top three.
With 25 points in his 23 first games, he was tied for second among defensemen. 17 of those games were at even strength. The Rangers’ skater is skating for more than 25 minutes per game. Only Fox, Makar, and Karlsson rank in the top 10 for expected goals above replacement in NHL.
However, even his supporters recognize that Norris has not settled. One Fox supporter said, “It’s really hard not to place Karlsson there.” “Really difficult to choose, period. This will be a close race throughout the year.
Four other defensemen also received Norris votes of first place. Roman Josi You can find the Nashville PredatorsPrevious winner, Antoine, skates for Nashville in 25 minutes, at a pace of a point per game. Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm Although he is not at a point per game offensively anymore, he was one of the NHL’s top blueliners at quarter time.
“He’s the main reason the Bruins stayed on the water missing.” Charlie McAvoy Lindholm voter: “for the first month and most important reason they are NHL’s top team right now.”
Rasmus Dahlin You can find the Buffalo Sabres Although he was the leader of last month’s Norris Watch, he only received one vote. Dahlin backer said that if Buffalo keeps losing we will have no choice but to look elsewhere.Josh Morrissey If the Jets remain hot, they will be more prominently featured.
Through 21 games, Morrissey finished second to Karlsson (1.19) in points-per game average. He is enjoying a rebound season under Rick Bowness. He was the only defenseman to win a first place vote.
Calder Trophy (top rookie)
Leader: Logan Thompson, Vegas Golden Knights
Finalists: Matty Beniers, Seattle Kraken; Stuart Skinner, Edmonton Oilers
Keep your eyes peeled! Shane Pinto? The Ottawa Senators With six goals in eight games, center was named the NHL rookie of October. His performance earned him a spot at the top of our Calder rankings for the NHL Awards Watch. Pinto’s performance in November was not as impressive. He scored two goals and assisted one through Nov. 27.
It suffices to say that Shane Pinto didn’t make it this month.
It’s now a two-rookie race at Calder, with Thompson, Beniers, and Beniers being the only players to garner first-place votes. Thompson received the top spot because he was first on one additional ballot than Beniers.
He has earned it more than he deserves. After losing Robin Lehner, the Golden Knights were in deep trouble. Thompson was brought in to rescue them. Thompson won 12 of 16 games in front of an improved team defense, thanks to coach Bruce Cassidy’s help. He also had a.921 save percentage.
“Thompson is top 15 in save percentages and goals-against-average while carrying a No. “He was my #1 starter,” one voter said.
“I think it’s a toss-up between Thompson & Beniers right now,” another voter declared. “I’m interested to see how it turns out over the second period, but you have to give credit to the rookie goalie for a first-place Golden Knights team.”
The Kraken’s impact of Beniers has also been demonstrated. The center was Seattle’s lowest position last season. A University of Michigan alum, their arrival reset their depth charts and gave them a No. The team had a number of veteran wingers and the University of Michigan alum. He was the top rookie with 20 points in his 22 initial games and a rookie record nine goals. Only the Flyers can claim this. Noah Cates (17:50) is the average ice time of rookie forwards, compared to Beniers (17;09).
However, a few Beniers supporters have offered caveats.
“Beniers, but damn Logan Thompson!”
“It is hard to choose between Beniers, and [Ottawa defenseman] Jake Sanderson.”
“I still love [Winnipeg forward] Cole Perfetti As a finalist, we haven’t seen Beniers at his best this season. Beniers is the next level in this rookie class.”
Skinner, an Oilers goaltender, is third in the finalist list. Skinner has played admirably in front of a very weak defensive team. Skinner’s save percentage is.919, and he has been 5-5-0 in 11 games. He ranks 17th among netminders with goals saved over expected (minimum 10 games). Although he is not as popular among rookie netminders as Thompson, he was still mentioned enough to be considered for the other finalist spot.
Vezina Trophy (top goaltender)
Notable: The award is given to general managers.
Leader: Ilya Sorokin, New York Islanders
Finalists: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets; Linus Ullmark, Boston Bruins
There was another tie at the top as Ullmark and Sorokin each received the most first-place votes. Other voters were more likely to mention the Islanders goalie, which earned them the top spot.
Sorokin is doing more with less. At 3.95 goals per match, the Bruins are the league’s best offense. They rank third in 5-on-5 expected goals against per minute (2.18). While the Islanders rank middle-of-the pack offensively (3.25), they are 31st in expected goal against (3.09). Sorokin’s save percentage is.933 and the NHL-best 16 goals are saved over expected.
One Sorokin voter stated that she did it with “less run support than Ullmark”.
Another Sorokin backer observed, “His excellence within that defensive environment puts him in front for me.”
Ullmark also has a very solid case. The Bruins goalie has a thirteen-1-0 record, with a.935 save percent and a 2.00 goals against average in 16 appearances. He still has 9.6 goals that he saved over expected and 2.2 wins more than replacement.
“He’s No. “He’s No.1 in goals-against average, save percentage, and leads NHL with 13 wins this year. One Ullmark voter said that this is an easy pick.
Another said, “Can’t argue against 13-1-0.”
Hellebuyck won 2020’s Vezina, and then finished fourth in voting in the following season. Last season was not his best, as Hellebuyck’s save percentage fell to.910. Hellebuyck is back with an 11-5-1 record, and a.931 saving percentage in 17 games. He was a major reason why the Jets received a playoff seed following the first quarter.
Other goalies who were mentioned by voters Alexandar Georgiev Last year’s winner, the Avalanche Igor Shesterkin Rangers and Carter Hart Flyers
Selke Trophy (best defensive forward)
Leader: Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins
Finalists: Phillip Danault, Los Angeles Kings; Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils
Patrice Bergeron’s decision to return to the Bruins this year probably caused other league centers to adjust their Selke Trophy expectations. These five things are more than any player in NHL history. Why not another?
Bergeron is doing Bergeron stuff this season. He wins more than 60% of his faceoffs. He has an expected goal against per 60 minutes of play at 5-on-5 with the Bruins, which is 1.55. (!).
“I’m not trying to be uncreative. “His expected goals-against the numbers are just still incredible,” one Bergeron voter commented.
Another Bergeron supporter commented, “It’s getting too late where this award should renamed as the Bergeron Trophy once he retires someday.” “I believe I’ve voted for him at No. Selke has been No. 1 for five to six consecutive years. He is just as good as a 2-way center.
Bergeron’s usage this season was what turned off at least one voter. His offensive zone starts are above 63% in all situations, which would be his highest ever performance.
“Bergeron’s zone start kind of put him off. He is still very good defensively, but he doesn’t play that same role as he used. One voter preferred Hischier.
Bergeron has had players compete for his crown in the past. Sean Couturier is one example of someone who has succeeded in winning the Selke. Aleksander Barkov. Hischier feels like the next person in line for this group. Hischier, the Devils’ center, wins more than 57% of his faceoffs and kills penalties. The Devils also have a.941 save rate with him on 5-on-5 ice. His profile will rise if the Devils continue to win.
Danault was the other finalist. He is winning over 92% faceoffs and helping the Kings to a.927 saving percentage when he’s on ice. Danault was the other finalist for the Selke.
Lady Byng Trophy (gentlemanly)
This is where I mention that the Lady Byng Trophy should be voted for by the league’s officials on-ice or by the National Hockey League Players’ Association.
Given that the Byng goes the best player with the fewest penalty minutes, we’ll be noting that Jack Eichel You can find the Vegas Golden Knights 26 points in 24 games, zero penalty minutes.
Jack Adams Award (best Coach)
Notice: This award is decided by the NHL Broadcasters’Association.
Leader: Lindy Ruff, New Jersey Devils
Finalists: Bruce Cassidy Vegas Golden Knights; Jim Montgomery, Boston Bruins
To “fire Lindy!” To “sorry Lindy!” “Sorry Lindy!”
Ruff, now 62, is leading the Metropolitan division Devils with an.826 percentage. He has a 13 game winning streak to tie a franchise-record and 13 wins in November that set an NHL record. New Jersey is playing a dynamic offensive game He’s also known for his aggressive, puck-pressuring defensive style. During his three seasons as Jersey’s offensive coordinator, he has kept them on track, managed their roster well, and helped develop their young offensive talents.
One Ruff backer stated that “Between Jim Montgomery and him, tie goes to him who got fans to chant his an apology.”
Bruins players have credited Montgomery For establishing more accountability and a greater sense of fun within their group since I became head coach last year. Fun comes naturally when a team’s percentage is.864. Montgomery’s story, including his departure from Dallas and the journey to become a head coach, will make him an appealing candidate.
One of his supporters stated, “It’s Jim Montgomery.” “Sorry, Lindy.”
Montgomery was the other finalist. Cassidy has helped the Knights defend and has coached them to top places in the Pacific Division.
“There were lots of problems at Vegas’ end, but Cassidy has done an amazing job getting things under control. Jack Eichel One Cassidy supporter said that they were willing to “buy into” what they are doing in Vegas. “Plenty good candidates with Jim Montgomery and Pete DeBoer as well as Lindy Ruff, Dave Hakstol, Lane Lambert and Dave Hakstol.
It is hard to predict whether broadcasters will feel exactly the same as writers. However, the scribes think Ruff has lost his award.
One voter said, “When you get your fans apologizing to you for their mistakes, you have something going,”