Can anyone challenge Connor McDavid for the Hart Trophy, or Connor Bedard for the Calder Trophy? Who are the early favorites in what could be a tightly contested Vezina Trophy race? And which team will win the Connor Hellebuyck sweepstakes? The 2023-24 NHL season is here, and The Athletic has asked its staff for their predictions. In this article, we will focus on individual awards, as well as the question surrounding Hellebuyck’s future. To provide analysis and critiques, we have brought in senior national writer Sean Gentille, national writer Hailey Salvian, analytics guru Shayna Goldman, and NHL betting expert Jesse Granger.
Hart Trophy: Given to the player judged to be the most valuable to his team. Voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA).
Gentille: I believe Connor McDavid will win, but Jack Hughes could be a dark horse if voter fatigue sets in.
Goldman: It’s difficult to choose between Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, both deserving candidates from the Avalanche.
Granger: I predict that McDavid will receive the lowest percentage of votes this season.
Rocket Richard Trophy: Given to the leading goal scorer at the end of the regular season.
Gentille: As a Mikko Rantanen supporter, I had to make an unconventional choice.
Goldman: I chose Auston Matthews, but David Pastrnak could be a strong contender.
Granger: Matthews is out to prove himself as the best goal-scorer in the league, and I believe he will succeed.
Norris Trophy: Given to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability in the position. Voted on by the PHWA.
Gentille: Voters seem to be warming up to Miro Heiskanen, but if Makar is healthy, he will continue to dominate.
Granger: Makar has a strong chance of winning again, especially considering his impressive performance last season.
Salvian: Charlie McAvoy may never win a Norris Trophy, despite his exceptional skills.
Selke Trophy: Given to the forward who excels in the defensive aspect of the game. Voted on by the PHWA.
Gentille: Nico Hischier is a popular pick and has a strong reputation, but there are other deserving names on the list, including Anze Kopitar and Aleksander Barkov.
Granger: Mark Stone, who has consistently received votes in the past, should be a favorite now that Patrice Bergeron has retired.
Goldman: Hischier has shown great improvement in both offense and defense, making him a standout candidate. Joel Eriksson Ek and Mikael Backlund are also worth considering.
Vezina Trophy: Given to the best goalkeeper. Voted on by the general managers of all 32 NHL clubs.
Gentille: It seems unlikely that Linus Ullmark will repeat as the winner, so I believe it’s Ilya Sorokin’s time to shine.
Goldman: Sorokin and Igor Shesterkin will have an exciting rivalry in the coming years.
Granger: Shesterkin has the potential to put up impressive numbers if he can handle the workload.
Jack Adams Award: Given to the coach who contributes the most to his team’s success. Voted on by the NHL Broadcasters’ Association.
Gentille: I voted for Rick Tocchet, considering the award typically goes to the coach of the most surprising team. Tocchet could fit that description, especially if Thatcher Demko performs well for the Canucks.
Goldman: Don Granato of the Sabres deserves recognition, but I believe Mike Sullivan will receive renewed appreciation if the Penguins have a successful season.
Granger: Bruce Cassidy’s defensive brilliance in Vegas and strong performances in the playoffs make him a strong contender.
Calder Trophy: Given to the most proficient player in his first year in the NHL. Voted on by the PHWA.
Gentille: It’s difficult to imagine anyone outperforming Connor Bedard for this award.
Salvian: This vote was cast before Bedard’s shootout miss against the Wild, so let’s not jump to conclusions.
Granger: Bedard is a strong favorite, but if Devon Levi becomes the starting goaltender for the Sabres and leads them to the playoffs, he could challenge for the award.
Hellebuyck sweepstakes: At the end of the season, Connor Hellebuyck will be on the roster of:
Gentille: I wouldn’t be surprised if Winnipeg decides to keep Hellebuyck, which would be both in character and quite humorous.
Salvian: Despite the ongoing speculation, it seems unlikely that Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele will be leaving the Jets during the season, especially if the team is in playoff contention.
Goldman: The Jets may lack the motivation to trade Hellebuyck during the season, and their decision not to do so in the offseason could have consequences.
Granger: I also believe the Jets will be reluctant to part ways with Hellebuyck, as they may consider themselves contenders.
(Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images and Andrew Bershaw / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.
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