Welcome to the final NHL Awards preview of the 2024-25 season. We`re taking one last look at the races for the most prestigious awards just before voting ballots are submitted.

The competition for MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Best Defenseman has narrowed down to a few favorites after a season of shifts and surprises.

We`ve anonymously surveyed a diverse group of Professional Hockey Writers Association voters to gauge the likely direction of voting for the current leaders. Our aim was to include voices from across the league for a comprehensive view.

Remember, the PHWA decides the finalists for the Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke, and Lady Byng awards. Broadcasters vote for the Jack Adams Award, and general managers handle the Vezina Trophy.

All statistics are sourced from Hockey-Reference.com, Natural Stat Trick, and Evolving Hockey.

Jump to:
Ross | Richard | Hart
Norris | Selke | Vezina
Calder | Byng | Adams

Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)

For updated standings, check the point-scoring leaderboard.

Maurice `Rocket` Richard Trophy

For the latest, see the goal-scoring rankings.

Hart Trophy (MVP)

Leader: Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
Finalists: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets; Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche

The MVP award initially seemed destined for Connor Hellebuyck, then Nathan MacKinnon took the lead in March. However, Leon Draisaitl has consistently been in contention, building a strong case as the player most valuable to his team. As the season concludes, the Edmonton star has made a final push.

` i don think it a close race anymore said one voter backing draisaitl.>

Draisaitl received 40% of first-place votes from our panel, overtaking MacKinnon. By Wednesday, he led the Rocket Richard Trophy race by eight goals and was third in overall points. Beyond raw stats, Evolving Hockey ranks Draisaitl first in the NHL for goals above replacement (29) and estimates he has contributed nearly five wins to the Oilers this season, with a WAR of 4.8.

He also excels defensively, ranking third among Edmonton forwards in goals against per 60 minutes (2.28) through 70 games, a factor noted in Selke Trophy discussions later in this article.

Consider Connor McDavid`s impact. When Draisaitl won his Hart Trophy in 2019-20, he played seven more games and scored 13 more points than McDavid, who still finished fifth in Hart voting. This season, Draisaitl has played eight more games than McDavid as of Tuesday and is 16 points ahead. McDavid`s points-per-game pace could be his lowest since 2017-18.

Draisaitl often plays in McDavid`s shadow in MVP discussions, with some voters viewing him as a product of McDavid. However, McDavid`s injuries this season and Draisaitl`s outstanding performance at both ends of the ice create the perfect conditions for Draisaitl to be recognized.

`He scored 16 points in nine games without McDavid,` one voter pointed out.

`Anyone watching the Oilers without their leading scorer should agree he`s been their most valuable player in 2024-25,` another voter stated. `Even with McDavid back, Edmonton wouldn`t last in the playoffs without a healthy Draisaitl.`

Still, some voters emphasize the MVP race remains tight.

`It`s Draisaitl by a hair over Nathan MacKinnon,` one voter commented.

`Draisaitl is narrowly ahead, with Hellebuyck second on my ballot,` another revealed.

MacKinnon and Hellebuyck each received 20% of first-place votes, securing the other finalist spots.

MacKinnon aims to be the first back-to-back MVP since Alex Ovechkin in 2007-09. Since 1980, only Ovechkin, Dominik Hasek (1996-98), and Wayne Gretzky, with eight consecutive MVPs from 1979-1987, have achieved this.

MacKinnon`s best path to MVP might be winning the Art Ross Trophy, competing with Nikita Kucherov for the scoring title. It would be MacKinnon`s first.

Hellebuyck seeks to be the first goalie MVP since Carey Price in 2014-15, and only the third in 25 years.

His workload and impact on Winnipeg`s success are clear: the Jets have 53 wins, 44 credited to him. He leads in save percentage and goals-against average as of Wednesday night and is top four in goals saved above expected.

`It`s between him and Draisaitl for me,` one voter said. `He`s been the best goalie all season and has significantly boosted the Jets` record.`

`Hellebuyck deserves consideration, but needs a strong finish, possibly starting four of the last five regular-season games,` another suggested.

While MacKinnon and Hellebuyck are clear second options, Nikita Kucherov of Tampa Bay has gained momentum, receiving about 17% of first-place votes.

Kucherov, the 2019 Hart winner, is chasing his third scoring title, trailing MacKinnon by one point as of Wednesday, despite playing six fewer games. Voters often consider the gap between an MVP candidate and their team`s second-leading scorer. Kucherov leads Brandon Hagel, Tampa Bay`s next scorer, by a staggering 32 points through 73 games.

`I`ve favored MacKinnon most of the season, but Kucherov`s second half is amazing,` a Kucherov voter admitted.

`Another fantastic season overlooked by many,` another voter noted. `His offensive impact is more subtle than MacKinnon, McDavid, or Draisaitl, so it`s less obvious.`

Kucherov`s MVP chances are real, though underestimated.

`It`s surprising sportsbooks have Kucherov at 50-1. He could lead in scoring and arguably should have won last season too,` a voter claimed.

Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights was also mentioned for Hart consideration. Like Kucherov, he has a significant lead over his team`s second scorer, 26 points ahead of Mark Stone.

`He deserves more recognition as a dark-horse Hart candidate,` a voter suggested.

Other names mentioned include Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa), Quinn Hughes (Vancouver), and Alex Ovechkin (Washington), who is reportedly making a late push. `Some voters are mentioning Ovechkin making a push in this category,` one voter revealed.

In the final stretch, Draisaitl leads the MVP race, but all top candidates have compelling cases and strong support.

`This is the TOUGHEST year to choose a Hart winner,` one voter declared. `Can we have a tie?`

Norris Trophy (Top Defenseman)

Leader: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
Finalists: Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks; Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets

Makar, a Norris finalist for four years running and 2021-22 winner, seems determined to leave no doubt with a dominant offensive season.

The Avalanche defenseman has a career-high 91 points in 79 games, 16 more than Werenski, the next highest-scoring defenseman. His goal count is remarkable: Makar is only the ninth defenseman in NHL history to score 30+ goals, the first since Mike Green in 2008-09.

Makar downplays comparisons to Bobby Orr, even from figures like Wayne Gretzky, but this scoring pace strengthens that comparison.

`We`re in a golden era for young defensemen in the NHL, and he`s the best,` one voter said.

`The 30 goals are impressive, but he excels in all aspects for the Avalanche,` another noted.

`The 30 goals, plus Hughes` and Werenski`s teams fading from playoff contention, seals it,` another Makar supporter explained.

Werenski led the Norris race last month, boosted by his performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off and the Blue Jackets` playoff push. But as the Eastern Conference wild-card race settled and Makar increased his offensive output, Werenski`s lead faded.

Werenski had 45% of first-place votes last month, now down to 20%. MVP talk around him has also diminished. Yet, he still has strong support among voters. He has 75 points in 76 games, leading the Blue Jackets, and plays nearly 27 minutes per game (26:58), the most in the NHL.

`I`m still voting for Zach Werenski,` one voter declared.

`If the Blue Jackets make the playoffs, Werenski would be MVP,` another stated. `Makar will win, but Werenski plays significantly more minutes and does everything for Columbus.`

This Norris race will be remembered for the `what if` surrounding Quinn Hughes of Vancouver, who was a strong contender before injuries hampered his season. Hughes has 74 points in 64 games, including 16 goals. His 1.16 points-per-game average is slightly better than Makar`s (1.15).

Hughes was the only other defenseman receiving first-place votes, but with only 3%, he is a distant third.

`If only Quinn Hughes had stayed healthy all season,` one voter mused.

`Hughes might have tightened this race if not injured, but Makar is the clear winner, with respect to Werenski, who is a deserving finalist having a great season,` another voter commented.

Other defensemen mentioned include Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay), Jake Sanderson (Ottawa), Jaccob Slavin (Carolina), and Montreal rookie Lane Hutson.

Speaking of rookies…

Calder Trophy (Top Rookie)

Leader: Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens
Finalists: Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks; Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames

Hutson is leading the Calder Trophy race by a significant margin, according to our survey.

The Canadiens rookie received 87% of first-place votes in the final Awards Watch, a huge jump from 11% last month. Since February 1st, Hutson has 25 points in 27 games, second on the Habs behind Nick Suzuki (35 points). He has 6 goals and 58 assists in 78 games, averaging 22:39 of ice time.

It was clear early on that Hutson would lead rookie defensemen in scoring – Drew Helleson (Ducks) is second, 51 points behind. But Hutson leading all rookies in points, considering the strong forward class, is remarkable.

`Toughest choice of all awards, but his play and team impact have been amazing,` one voter said. `Might even get some Norris votes.`

`Hutson hasn`t just been the best rookie, he`s been one of the league`s most impactful defensemen down the stretch,` another voter added.

Hutson and Wolf had an edge over Celebrini in the final weeks: playing meaningful games, while Celebrini`s Sharks were not in playoff contention. The Flames are still in the wild-card hunt, and the Canadiens are in a playoff spot, largely thanks to Hutson.

`No disrespect to Celebrini or Michkov, but Hutson played in important games, they didn`t,` one voter explained.

`Hutson`s point totals are impressive, but he`s also elevated his game when it mattered most,` another opined. `The Canadiens have been one of the hottest teams recently, largely due to Hutson.`

`Lane Hutson solidified his No. 1 spot with his late-season performance and defensive improvement,` another Hutson backer commented. `Celebrini was still the best rookie I watched this season though.`

Celebrini, 18, led the Calder race for months before Hutson`s surge. His 57 points in 65 games (21 goals) are impressive on a struggling team. His 0.88 points per game is slightly better than Hutson`s 0.83. But Celebrini`s injury likely cost him the Calder.

`Celebrini`s injury hurt his chances, and Montreal is playoff-bound,` one voter concluded.

`I was on the Celebrini bandwagon for most of the season, but I`m switching to Hutson now,` another voter said. `The 21-year-old should approach 80 points, ranking fourth among defensemen behind Makar, Werenski, and Hughes. And he`s not the defensive liability expected.`

Celebrini and Wolf had similar first-place vote shares (around 7%). Wolf is clearly the top rookie goalie, with 26 wins and a .911 save percentage in 49 games, a key factor in the Flames` playoff contention.

Several voters indicated Wolf would be second on their ballots behind Hutson.

`Hutson`s dynamic play and the Canadiens` surge push him past Wolf in my view,` one voter noted.

Other Calder mentions include Michkov (Flyers), Bolduc (Blues), and Stankoven (Hurricanes).

Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender)

Note: NHL general managers vote for this award.

Leader: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
Finalists: Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings; Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning

Three finalists will be named for the Vezina, but Connor Hellebuyck is expected to win for the second straight year. The only real question is the margin of victory.

If PHWA voters decided, Hellebuyck would get unanimous support. He was the unanimous choice in our voter panel for the second month.

`Dominated from start to finish,` one voter concluded.

`The only goalie in Hart contention. Just engrave the trophy now,` another voter declared.

While Hellebuyck gets much credit for the Jets` strong season and Presidents` Trophy pursuit (44 wins in 60 starts), his stats aren`t vastly better than Vasilevskiy`s, who was often ranked second by our voters.

As of Wednesday, Hellebuyck had a .924 save percentage, 2.02 GAA, and seven shutouts. Vasilevskiy had .923 save percentage, 2.14 GAA, and six shutouts. Vasilevskiy has a better goals-saved above expected (17.98) than Hellebuyck (16.69), though Hellebuyck`s advanced stats are also strong.

`Hellebuyck and Vasilevskiy are locks for the Vezina,` one voter argued.

Kuemper leads goalies in goals saved above expected (19.1) and has a better save percentage on rush chances (.933) than the other two. His .922 save percentage in 47 games is close to Hellebuyck and Vasilevskiy.

`Darcy Kuemper has had a quietly excellent season, completing the Dubois trade impact, and should be a finalist,` one voter noted.

`Finalist` is likely the best outcome for anyone not named Hellebuyck, who seems set to be the first back-to-back Vezina winner since Martin Brodeur (2006-08). This would be Hellebuyck`s third Vezina; only Brodeur, Dominik Hasek (6), and Patrick Roy (3) have won more since the current criteria began in 1981.

Other goalies mentioned include Thompson (Capitals), Oettinger (Stars), Gustavsson (Wild), and Shesterkin (Rangers).

Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward)

Leader: Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers
Finalists: Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers; Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers

Though his vote share decreased slightly, Barkov has consistently led the Selke race and is likely to win his third Selke in five seasons.

Barkov had 60% of first-place votes in February, 56% in March, and now 50%, still a comfortable lead over the competition.

`It`ll take an exceptional defensive season to unseat Barkov, and I don`t think anyone has,` one voter commented.

The Selke often sees repeat winners. Barkov could join Bergeron, Datsyuk, and Brind`Amour as back-to-back winners – Bergeron did it most recently from 2021-23, his fifth and sixth Selkes.

Reinhart, Barkov`s teammate, is a distant second with about 17% of first-place votes.

`Reinhart has been more impressive of the Florida duo,` one voter argued. `Fewer expected goals against, similar goals against in tough matchups, and Reinhart`s defense has been strong even without Barkov.`

Draisaitl is a new top-three contender for the Selke, reflecting his defensive contributions, also a factor in his MVP candidacy.

`He`s underrated for his two-way play,` one voter noted. `The only issue is he doesn`t kill penalties.`

One voter dismissed the penalty-killing point, Draisaitl earning about 13% of votes.

`Name another forward with 800+ minutes at 5-on-5, around 60% in shot, goal, and expected goal share,` they explained. `His numbers are better than Barkov`s, with 200 more minutes played. Barkov`s PK minutes don`t change that.`

Six others received Selke first-place votes but not enough to crack the top three: Cirelli (Lightning), Eichel (Golden Knights), Hischier (Devils), Lowry (Jets), Marner (Maple Leafs), and Staal (Hurricanes), all seeking their first Selke.

`Lowry has great goal share, even against top opponents, and handles tough assignments,` one voter offered.

The Selke race comes down to whether any challengers can overcome Barkov and his established reputation.

`I appreciate Barkov`s complete game, but he`s not quite at his usual level,` one voter who chose another candidate revealed.

Lady Byng Trophy (Gentlemanly Play)

The Lady Byng Trophy, for gentlemanly play, arguably should be voted on by on-ice officials or the NHL Players` Association, not the PHWA.

Traditionally, it goes to a top-20 scorer with few penalty minutes.

Eichel (Vegas) has 93 points in 76 games with 8 penalty minutes. Suzuki (Montreal) has 86 points in 78 games with 6 PIMs. But Point (Tampa Bay) has 79 points in 72 games with just one minor penalty this season – a tripping call on Nov. 30 against Toronto. Truly gentlemanly!

Jack Adams Award (Best Coach)

Note: NHL Broadcasters` Association votes on this award.

Leader: Spencer Carbery, Washington Capitals
Finalists: Scott Arniel, Winnipeg Jets; Martin St. Louis, Montreal Canadiens

`Spencer Carbery, and anyone disagreeing is joking.`

That was one voter`s sentiment, widely shared. Carbery received 77% of first-place votes for leading the Capitals through a unique season: offseason changes, a jump from wild card contender to Presidents` Trophy contention, Ovechkin`s pursuit of Gretzky`s record, and Ovechkin`s injury after a hot start.

Carbery kept the Capitals focused and effective. Through 77 games, they had the fourth-highest points percentage (.695) in franchise history.

`The Jack Adams rarely goes to the best team`s coach, but it should this year. The Capitals improved massively, stayed competitive without Ovechkin for a month, and Carbery managed the Ovechkin goal chase media frenzy impressively,` one voter explained. `They maintained their identity and kept winning. He deserves significant credit.`

Carbery is in his second season in Washington.

`He should have won last year for dragging that team to the playoffs. Now he has a better team, in first place overall,` another voter declared. `His ability to get Ovechkin to buy in has been key to both Ovechkin`s and the team`s success.`

Arniel`s Jets are close to the Capitals at the top of the league. While Hellebuyck gets much credit, some voters believe Arniel deserves recognition in his first Jets season. He got 10% of first-place votes.

St. Louis moved into the top three with about 7% of first-place votes, thanks to the Canadiens` late surge into playoff contention.

They aren`t alone in a late-season playoff push. Jim Montgomery of the St. Louis Blues is close behind St. Louis.

`Despite being fired by Boston in November, Montgomery deserves Jack Adams consideration. He`d be the first coach nominated while coaching multiple teams in one season,` one voter noted.

While St. Louis had more first-place votes, Montgomery was a frequent second choice for Carbery voters. Montgomery could easily be a top-three Jack Adams finalist with the Blues in the playoffs.

Dean Evason of the Columbus Blue Jackets fell out of the top three. His team, playing through tragedy after Johnny Gaudreau`s death, challenged for a playoff spot but is fading. He did receive one first-place vote and some top-three consideration.

`Evason had the toughest job this season and could be a sentimental – and deserving – candidate on many ballots,` one voter concluded.

For the Jack Adams and other awards, it`s about finishing strong. We`re seeing who`s sprinting to the finish line in these awards races.