Final 2025 NHL Awards predictions

Photo courtesy of TheAHL / Wikimedia Commons

At the start of the 2025 National Hockey League (NHL) season, I had created some way too early NHL Awards predictions. Now that the regular season is approaching its end and the postseason is on the horizon, I thought it would be fun to name my final predictions for some of the top awards.

Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP): Connor Hellebuyck

Initially, I predicted Minnesota Wild left-wing Kirill Kaprizov to win this trophy; however, he sustained a lower-body injury, causing him to miss a whopping 41 games. This absence significantly hurt his chances, despite his impressive offensive production when healthy.

The 31-year-old Winnipeg Jets goaltender has been the heavy favorite for not just the Hart, but the Vezina as well. Hellebuyck has a 2.02 goals against average (GAA) and a .924 save percentage, not to mention his eight shutouts this regular season. That is elite by any standard. Combined that with the fact that he helped the Jets clinch their first-ever Presidents' Trophy— it is no surprise he's in serious contention for both the Vezina and the Hart. 

Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year): Lane Hutson

In my earlier predictions, Carolina Hurricanes center Logan Stankoven was shaping up to win the Calder. Still, as the season has progressed, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson appears to be the clear winner.

Hutson leads all first-year players in assists (58), points (65), power-play points (26), blocked shots (121), takeaways (55), and time on ice per game (22:41). He was also selected as the NHL’s rookie of the month for December and March, becoming the first Canadian to do so since forward Kjell Dahlin in the 1985-86 season.

While Hutson has made a great campaign for his Calder win, San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini is also a heavy favorite. Celebrini has accumulated a total of 63 points, with 25 goals and 38 assists. Although the race will be close, Hutson has had the biggest impact on his team and the league itself.

James Norris Memorial Trophy (Best Defenseman): Cale Makar

I am sticking with my original prediction of Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar for the Norris. While Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski have made great cases for their run in the Norris race, Makar still comes out on top.

Makar has racked up a total of 92 points this season, with 30 goals and 62 assists. Makar has finished in the top three of Norris Trophy voting for the past four seasons, winning it in 2022.  If Makar wins the Norris, he will become the fourteenth defenseman in league history to win the award multiple times, and he would do it in the first six regular seasons of his career.

This season, Makar joined an elite club, becoming the first defenseman since Mike Green in 2008-09 to score 30 goals in a season. Makar has always been a two-way defenseman, with his offensive production being just as impressive as his defensive play. This is even more noteworthy when you consider just how offensive-heavy the Avalanche roster is.

Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender): Connor Hellebuyck

I have already made my case for Hellebuyck to win the Hart, and I can make the same case for him to win the Vezina. Hellebuyck could be primed to be the first goaltender to win back-to-back Vezinas since New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur from 2006-08.

If Hellebuyck wins the Vezina and the Hart, he would join an elite group of goaltenders, composed of Jacques Plante, Dominik Hasek, Jose Theodore, and Carey Price, as the only players to do so in NHL history.

As if the feats this guy is accomplishing were not enough, on Apr. 10, Hellebuyck became only the seventh goaltender ever to register 45 wins in a campaign. He now sits at a 46-12-3 record for the regular season.

This season has had enough great storylines and Cinderella stories to keep fans entertained night in and night out. It will be interesting to see how this season falls and which predictions come out as correct. As the playoffs approach, the stakes only get higher, and all eyes will be on whether players like Hellebuyck can maintain their momentum under pressure or if there is a dark horse in the shadows.