NHL Awards Predictions: Projecting Winners & Runners-Up
By Ryan Ritchie
NHL Awards Predictions: Holiday Edition Approaching the Halfway Mark
Teams are ranging from 31 to 35 games played as the Holiday’s quickly approach. We’re yet to release NHL awards predictions in 2015-16, marking this as our first edition. Look for our last NHL awards predictions closer to the trade deadline.
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Stanley Cup Champion
1. Dallas Stars
2. Chicago Blackhawks
3. Montreal Canadiens
Of course, it’s just one writer’s opinion, but, Dallas was on radar in our preseason rankings. One of five bold predictions proclaimed the Stars Stanley Cup contenders heading into 2015-16, and they’re yet to disappoint.
GM Stan Bowman looks like a genius in Chicago after the hockey world questioned some of their offseason moves. Newcomers Artem Anisimov and Artemi Panarin are proving significant pieces thus far. Montreal is still one big piece up front away from being a legitimate Cup contender (perhaps Eric Staal?). Mike Condon has held the fort admirably in Carey Price‘s absence. The extra rest and limited wear/tear on the body should give Price a distinctive edge in April.
Prince of Wales Trophy (Eastern Conference Playoff Champion)
1. Montreal Canadiens
2. New York Rangers
Clarence S. Campbell Bowl (Western Conference Playoff Champion)
1. Dallas Stars
2. Chicago Blackhawks
Presidents Trophy (Team With Most Regular Season Points)
1. Washington Capitals
2. St. Louis Blues
3. Dallas Stars
Hart Trophy (League MVP)
1. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
2. Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals
3. Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars
Unless Patrick Kane goes cold for a long-stretch of time over the next 48 games, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario where he doesn’t claim MVP honors. Playing alongside Artem Anisimov and Artemi Panarin, the trio is arguably the NHL’s best line in 2015-16. It’s likely Kane tops 100 points this season, and is on pace to surpass 115 points for the first time since Sidney Crosby produced 120 in 2006-07.
Patrick Kane may not factor as much into Chicago’s success, but, there’s no denying he’s been the NHL’s best player so far. If something happens forcing Kane’s production to drop, the MVP race could quickly become a two-man race between Braden Holtby and Jamie Benn. Both players are major contributors to their team’s success in 2015-16.
Vezina Trophy (NHL’s Top Goaltender)
Dec 3, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Washington Capitals goalie
(70) makes a save against Montreal Canadiens center
(27) during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
1. Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals
2. Jake Allen, St.Louis Blues
3. Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks
Disregard the second and third place goaltenders. This is a one man race in 2015-16 after Carey Price continues to miss extended time. Like Connor McDavid, the performance Price offers upon return is likely award worthy, but limited games played will likely exclude both from the Vezina and Calder race. Holtby’s numbers this season are off-the-chart, and he’s been stealing games for a Capitals team with high-end scoring talent, and an average defense core.
Calder Memorial Trophy (NHL’s Most Outstanding Rookie)
1. Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks
2. Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
3. Max Domi, Arizona Coyotes
Check out our recent “Rookie Power Rankings” for more information, linked here.
Art Ross Trophy (NHL’s Top Point Scorer)
1. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
2. Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars
3. Vladimir Tarasenko, St.Louis Blues
James Norris Memorial Trophy (Defenseman Who Demonstrates Best All-Around Ability)
Dec 14, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman
(65) skates with the puck in the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
1. Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators
2. Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
3. John Klingberg, Dallas Stars
There’s a fair argument in choosing any of the above three defenders as early award contenders. Both Karlsson and Klingberg are point-producing machines from the back-end. Drew Doughty and the Kings had a slow-start out of the gates, but since have settled into one of the NHL’s top teams.
Year after year, voters pass up on Drew Doughty as the NHL’s top defenseman, leaving a sour taste in the mouth of some in the hockey world. There’s usually an argument for Doughty in the top 5, or top 10, but in 2015-16 Doughty deserves serious consideration for the James Norris. He’s got 19 points in 32 games, but, Doughty exemplifies everything the award stands for. Arguments against could be made in past years, but in 2015-16, Doughty is by far the best all-around defender. It’ll be interesting to see what the voters value more with Karlsson having another highly productive season.
Jack Adams Award (NHL’s Top Coach)
1. Michel Therrien, Montreal Canadiens
2. Dave Tippett, Arizona Coyotes
3. Barry Trotz, Washington Capitals
Give credit when due. Between losing Carey Price long-term, Brendan Gallagher for an extended period, and Zack Kassian to open the season, Montreal is exceeding expectations. It’s been an unlikely cast of players stepping up (Mike Condon, Tomas Fleischmann, etc.) along with captain Max Pacioretty (he’s elevated his game since taking over captaincy). Michel Therrien continues to keep Montreal’s head above water at the top of the Eastern Conference, despite the various road blocks he’s encountered.
If the unlikely should occur, and Montreal falls out of contention in the second half, both Dave Tippett and Barry Trotz are the next likely candidates. The Coyotes were expected to be a bottom feeding rebuild team in 2015-16. Instead, they’ve surprised the hockey world battling for a playoff spot, lead by a cast a young stars.
Frank J. Selke Trophy (Forward Who Best Excels Defensively)
1. Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens
2. Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals
3. Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
Perhaps it had something to do with his taking over the captaincy in Montreal, but Pacioretty has elevated his game to a new level in 2015-16. He’s not an elite scorer in the offensive end, but is arguably the most responsible forward in the other two ends, while adding enough productivity to be a top 50 scorer at worst.
Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy (NHL’s Leading Goal Scorer)
Dec 19, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars left wing
(14) celebrates his goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie
(39) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
1. Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars
2. Mike Hoffman, Ottawa Senators
3. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Benn is a rugged power forward who seems to have a knack for finding the back of the net. He led the NHL with 87 points (35 goals) in 2014-15, earning him the Art Ross Trophy. Look for both Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin to exceed 100 points in 2015-16. This should include Benn flirting with the 50-goal mark.
NHL General Manager of the Year Award
1. Stan Bowman, Chicago Blackhawks
2. Don Maloney, Arizona Coyotes
3. Jim Nill, Dallas Stars
It’s baffling to understand how Chicago continues to stay elite when forced to make so many offseason changes due to cap constrictions. This past offseason, we watched the Blackhawks trade Brandon Saad to Columbus for Artem Anisimov and Marko Dano. We also saw Patrick Sharp and Stephen Johns sent to Dallas for Ryan Garbutt and Trevor Daley (Daley recently flipped for Rob Scuderi). GM Stan Bowman is continually forced into uncomfortable situations with an expensive core group of players (getting more expensive next year with Brent Seabrook‘s extension). Bowman seems like a magician the way he continually finds ways to make his team one of the NHL’s best.
Next: 2016 World Juniors: Team Finland Built For Excitement
We’ve seen what can happen in nearly half a season thus far, so it’ll be interesting to see the next 47 to 51 games for each team. Consistency is key for any of the above looking to capture an award. What do you think hockey fans? Any dark horse candidates that can change the landscape of any of the above awards? Give us your predictions below.