NHL Awards Race: January Standouts and Surprises
Current Leaders in the NHL Awards Race
The NHL awards race is heating up as we dive deeper into the season, with certain awards seeming clearer in direction while others remain wide open. In the Hart Trophy race, Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild is making headlines as the front-runner, despite missing several games due to a nagging lower-body injury. As one enthusiastic voter put it, "In the true spirit of the award, there is just no way Minnesota is anywhere close to the unexpectedly good team they are this year without Kaprizov." A testament to his impact, for sure.
Meanwhile, Nathan MacKinnon is making a strong case with a league-leading 65 points and 51 assists through 40 games. "MacKinnon's surge and Kaprizov's injury changed the face of that Hart race," observed another voter, noting how quickly things can shift in the NHL.
Defensemen and Goaltenders Making Their Mark
On the blue line, Cale Makar's performance is drawing attention by leading all defensemen with 49 points in 40 games. Over in Columbus, Dean Evason is performing wonders with the Blue Jackets, guiding them through a challenging season while keeping them in the playoff conversation. Voters agree, saying, "The job Dean Evason is doing in Columbus, given everything that franchise has endured, is remarkable."
In the crease, Connor Hellebuyck is proving indispensable for his team, boasting a stellar 24-6-2 record, a .926 save percentage, and five shutouts. His play is crucial, and general managers will certainly have their eyes on him as the Vezina Trophy race unfolds.
Top Contenders for Other Major Awards
Aleksander Barkov is gunning for another Selke Trophy win after capturing it last season. His two-way play continues to impress, and he's cementing his role as one of the best defensive forwards in the league. Brayden Point is also noteworthy, currently ranking 16th in overall scoring while maintaining a mere two penalty minutes through 33 games, an achievement that speaks volumes about his disciplined play.
Interestingly, among new contenders, Macklin Celebrini is turning heads. Despite early-season setbacks due to injury, he's pulling off an impressive 28 points in relatively few games. As one of his backers simply put it, "Sometimes, the obvious answer is the correct answer."
As the season progresses, these players will continue to battle on the ice, making cases for their respective awards. The ever-evolving nature of the NHL ensures nothing is set in stone, and the awards this year promise to be as thrilling and unpredictable as the games themselves.