The NHL Awards race for the 2025-26 season is heating up as key players establish themselves early on. With the season now a quarter complete, it’s an opportune moment to evaluate contenders for major awards including the Hart, Norris, Selke, Calder, Vezina, Art Ross, and Rocket Richard trophies. Here’s a breakdown of the leading candidates based on statistical performance and their contributions to their teams.
NHL Awards Highlights: Key Contenders
Hart Trophy Race
The Hart Trophy recognizes the player deemed most valuable to their team. As of November 30, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche is the front-runner. He’s enjoying an exceptional season, pacing himself for 66 goals and 144 points. MacKinnon’s dominance has pushed the Avalanche to a remarkable 35-9 record in his on-ice minutes.
- Nathan MacKinnon: 66 goals, 144 points pace
- Cale Makar: Strong two-way presence, contributes defensively
- Jason Robertson: Leading the Dallas Stars’ success
- Brandon Hagel: Key offensive player for Tampa Bay
- Jack Eichel: Significant contributor to Golden Knights
Norris Trophy Contenders
The Norris Trophy, awarded to the top defenseman, currently sees Cale Makar leading the charge. With a projected 105 points, Makar excels in both offensive and defensive metrics, maintaining a high xG percentage and impressive overall production.
- Cale Makar: 105 points projection, leads in xG
- Adam Fox: Great comeback season, close to point-per-game
- Zach Werenski: Strong defensive capabilities
- Josh Morrissey: Consistent play-driving performance
- Matthew Schaefer: Standout rookie emerging in shutdown role
Selke Trophy Candidates
The Selke Trophy, recognizing top defensive forwards, features Nick Suzuki as a prominent leader. His ability to limit expected goals against his team makes him a strong contender.
- Nick Suzuki: 2.27 xGA/60, dominant in five-on-five
- Mikael Backlund: Strong defensive metrics on a struggling Flames team
- Mitch Marner: Key contributor but not facing top competition
- Leon Draisaitl: Solid results, but lacks matchup minutes
- Matty Beniers: Emerging defensive prowess
Calder Trophy Frontrunner
The Calder Trophy race shows Matthew Schaefer emerging as a top candidate. His impressive early performance includes 23.3 minutes per game and a significant Net Rating, indicating his potential as a generational talent.
- Matthew Schaefer: Expected to surpass 60 points as an 18-year-old
- Alex Nikishin: Strong xG rate, performing well
- Ivan Demidov: Scoring pace of 65 points
- Yaroslav Askarov: Excellent goaltending performance
Vezina Trophy Race
The Vezina Trophy for the best goaltender sees Jeremy Swayman as the current leader, excelling with a .916 save percentage and stellar goals saved above expected.
- Jeremy Swayman: 0.916 save percentage, key for Boston’s success
- Andrei Vasilevskiy: Consistent performances despite defensive injuries
- Logan Thompson: Notable play in goal
- Dan Vladar: Surprising top-10 performance
Art Ross and Rocket Richard Trophies
Nathan MacKinnon is leading the race for the Art Ross Trophy with a comfortable margin over Connor McDavid. His consistency places him as a top scorer.
- Art Ross Trophy: MacKinnon leads with projected 121 points
- Rocket Richard Trophy: MacKinnon positioned as the top goal scorer
As the NHL season progresses, these early indicators provide a glimpse into the competitive landscape for the league’s most prestigious awards. With statistics shaping narratives, fans can expect thrilling developments in the months ahead.
