Way too early NHL awards predictions
New Jersey Devils’ center Jack Hughes is the early pick to win the Hart Memorial Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the NHL in 2023-24 (Photo Courtesy of Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
With the National Hockey League’s (NHL) season a month underway, the race for some of the most coveted NHL awards has begun. Though it may be just the start of the season, here are my very early predictions for the major awards.
Calder Memorial Trophy: Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks
With one NHL award already under his belt, there is little doubt that the Blackhawks’ center Connor Bedard won’t earn more down the line—in this case, the Calder Trophy. The Calder Trophy is awarded each season to the league’s Rookie of the Year. The reigning E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence winner has been putting up numbers expected from a veteran player. He has already accumulated nine goals and four assists through 13 games this season, and holds the franchise record for the youngest Blackhawks player with a four-point game.
Frank J. Selke Trophy: Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ right wing Mitch Marner was a finalist for last year’s Selke Award, given to the best defensive forward, and it’ll be no surprise if he ends up winning it in 2024. Marner is currently sitting at 17 points, with five goals and 12 assists through 15 games, and is ranked as one of the top 25 players in the NHL, according to a recent ESPN poll. He has elite play-making ability and has put up 90-plus points in three of the last five seasons. Marner can shut down the top scorers in the league while also scoring himself, making him the obvious choice for the Selke Award.
James Norris Memorial Trophy: Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks
Wouldn’t it be great if two of the three Hughes brothers took home an NHL award? The likelihood of that happening in 2024 is not a long shot, considering the incredible numbers the brothers are putting up, especially defenseman Quinn Hughes. The 24-year-old is currently tied for first in the league with 18 assists, third for total points with 23, and leads the NHL in plus-minus. The newly-named captain of the Canucks is currently the youngest in the NHL, and is by far one of the most underrated defensemen, and overall players, in the league. The Norris Trophy, awarded to the best defenseman, is going to have people on the edge of their seats until the winner is announced, but with Hughes’ puck-moving skills and strength on both the offensive and defensive side of the puck, he just may have it in the bag.
Vezina Trophy: Thatcher Demko, Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks were one of the biggest surprises throughout the league when it came to early success this season, and a lot of credit goes to goalie Thatcher Demko. He has a .948 save percentage, a 1.61 goals-against average (GAA), and already has two shutouts through 15 games. Demko winning the Vezina Trophy for the year’s best goaltender might be a dark horse pick, but makes the most sense so far this year. Demko is tied for second in wins this season and remains in the top five for GGA and save percentage. If he keeps up his current pace he’ll have a very good chance of winning the Vezina.
Hart Memorial Trophy: Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils
The 22-year-old center has been one of the top players in the league in recent years, and was the best player during the opening month of the 2023-24 season as well. Hughes was on a hot streak to begin the year as he led the league with 20 points through 10 games. Before his sidelining shoulder injury occurred, Hughes was tearing up the league, leading him to be named the NHL’s First Star for October. The timeline of his injury will determine the outcome of the Hart Trophy race, awarded to the league’s Most Valuable Player, but there’s no doubt in my mind that Jack Hughes will be able to bounce back and secure the award.