The 2024-25 NHL season is barely a month old, but the races for the league’s major individual awards are already taking shape. While it’s still early, several star players have emerged as clear frontrunners thanks to their dazzling performances and impact on their teams’ success. Let’s take a closer look at who the voters are backing for the Hart, Norris, Vezina, and other top honors at this early juncture.
Hart Trophy: Kaprizov’s Sizzling Start
In the race for MVP, one name stands above the rest: Kirill Kaprizov. The electrifying winger has been the driving force behind the Minnesota Wild’s impressive 10-2-3 start, racking up 28 points in just 15 games. Kaprizov’s dynamic play has wowed voters, with one remarking, “Making the Minnesota Wild exciting is some real hero stuff.” He’s captured a whopping 78% of first-place votes so far.
Rounding out the early top three are a pair of superstar centers: Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche. Kucherov’s torrid goal-scoring pace has him tied for the league lead with 11 tallies, while MacKinnon’s heroics have helped keep an injury-ravaged Avalanche team afloat.
Norris Trophy: Makar vs. Hughes
On the blue line, it’s shaping up to be a two-horse race between a pair of young stars: Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. Makar, coming off a career-best season, looks poised to challenge for the scoring title with an astonishing 24 points through 15 games. “That level of production with everyone around him hurt is wild,” marveled one voter. He’s garnered 68% of the early first-place Norris votes.
But don’t count out Hughes, the reigning Norris winner. He’s once again dominating at both ends of the ice for Vancouver. “Hughes has dominated every inch of the ice whenever he’s playing,” praised a supporter. “Two-way dominance.” Winnipeg’s Josh Morrissey, long overlooked, rounds out the early top three thanks to his strong two-way play.
Vezina Trophy: Hellebuyck Leads the Pack
Connor Hellebuyck is no stranger to the Vezina Trophy, and he’s putting together another special season in Winnipeg’s crease. The veteran netminder boasts sparkling numbers (11-1-0, .935 save percentage, 1.83 GAA) as the backbone of the Jets’ franchise-best start. “Best goalie on the best team. Repeat Vezina coming in June?” pondered one voter.
If there’s a goalie who could challenge Hellebuyck, it’s Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers. Last year’s Vezina winner has posted stellar stats behind a Rangers team with championship aspirations. Anaheim’s Lukas Dostal earned some down-ballot support for his admirable work behind the league’s most porous defense.
Calder Trophy: A Rookie Rollercoaster
It’s been a turbulent start to the Calder Trophy race, with hot streaks, cold snaps, and injury interruptions. Dallas forward Logan Stankoven has set the early pace with 12 points while bouncing between a sheltered role and top-line duties. Montreal’s precocious defenseman Lane Hutson has wowed with his poise and production, while Philadelphia sniper Matvei Michkov has run hot and cold after a sizzling start.
The wild card? Top pick Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, who has three goals and an assist in just four NHL games around a hip injury. “If Celebrini stays healthy, I think he will win the Calder,” predicted one voter. It’s still anyone’s race.
Other Races to Watch
A few other early leaders of note:
- Selke Trophy: Aleksander Barkov looks to defend his title as the league’s top defensive forward, but New Jersey’s Nico Hischier is also garnering significant support.
- Jack Adams Award: Winnipeg’s Scott Arniel is the clear favorite for coach of the year thanks to the Jets’ torrid start, but Washington’s Spencer Carbery has also earned praise for the Capitals’ strong 5-on-5 play.
There’s still a long way to go, but the early returns suggest we could be in for some fascinating awards races as the 2024-25 NHL season unfolds. Will the current favorites maintain their leads, or will new contenders emerge in the months to come? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the competition for the NHL’s highest individual honors will be as fierce as ever.
