Ranking each NHL award from most important to pointless

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Head coach Gerard Gallant of the Vegas Golden Knights (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The Somewhat Important NHL Awards

11. Lady Byng Memorial Trophy

This award goes to the most “gentlemanly” player. It’s not a very meaningful or important award for several reasons. First of all, it’s almost impossible for a defenseman to win the award. Only three defensemen have ever won the award, though Red Kelly won it three times. Shouldn’t defensemen who don’t commit penalties get rewarded as much, if not more so, than forwards who don’t?

Secondly, the wrong people are voting for the award. It’s voted on by the PHWA. Why not have the players and the referees vote on it? They’re in a far better position to determine which players show the best sportsmanship. If those two things were fixed, it would be a way more credible and important award.

12. Jack Adams Trophy

This award goes to the best NHL coach each season. My concern is this. A lot of people would say Joel Quenneville is the one of the best coaches ever, right? Well, why has he won as many Jack Adams as coaches like Bob Hartley, Patrick Roy, and Paul MacLean, who were all removed from their positions not too long after winning?

Also, Barry Trotz of the New York Islanders won the Jack Adams in 2019. And deservedly so. This year, Trotz finished 14th. How do you explain that? The voting process is quite flawed, which makes this award a lot less important and meaningful than it should be.

13. William M. Jennings Trophy

The William M. Jennings Trophy goes to the goaltenders of the team with the fewest goals allowed each season. Why is this an individual award and why is it only awarded to the goaltenders? This should be a team award.

14. Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

This award goes to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. Before this year, I had no issues with it. But now I do. While filling out my hypothetical award ballot, I had to wonder what was harder to overcome – concussions and their symptoms, alcoholism, or cancer?

There shouldn’t be one winner for this award. It forces voters to rank obstacles. That shouldn’t be the point of the Masterton. It’s about overcoming obstacles, not which obstacle is harder to overcome. Each team should have one winner. Reward those who have overcome obstacles. Tell their stories.

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