As the Stanley Cup Playoffs proceed, the NHL is announcing finalists for the major awards for the 2024-25 season. During the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery, the league revealed the Calder Trophy candidates recognizing the top rookies: Macklyn Celebrity (San Jose Sharks), Lane Hutson (Montreal Canadiens), and Dustin Wolf (Calgary Flames).
Lane Hutson made history as the fourth defenseman since the 1943-44 season to lead rookies in points with 66, joining Bobby Orr, Brian Leach, and Quinn Hughes. He matched Larry Murphy’s rookie assist record for a defenseman with 60 and, if victorious, would become the third Canadian to win the Calder Trophy in the Expansion Era alongside Brendan Gallagher and Ken Dryden.
Alexander Barkov was announced as the winner of the Selke Trophy, awarded to forwards excelling in defensive play. Barkov outpaced finalists Anthony Cirelli and Sam Reinhart with a standout season, ranking 7th in goals per game and 10th in penalty killing efficiency. This marks Barkov’s third Selke win and his second consecutively, cementing his dominance in the award category.
Other awards include the Vezina Trophy for the best goaltender, Norris Trophy for the top all-around defenseman, Ted Lindsay Award for the NHL’s best player, Hart Trophy for the most valuable player, Jack Adams Award for the top head coach, Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance and sportsmanship, and Lady Byng Trophy for gentlemanly conduct.
The full lineup of NHL Award winners will be announced progressively until mid-May, with the 2025 NHL Awards ceremony slated for June (date pending).
Fan Take: This season’s awards highlight the incredible talent rising in the NHL, particularly the game-changing impact of young players like Lane Hutson and proven stars like Alexander Barkov. For fans, these honors not only celebrate individual excellence but also signal the bright future and evolving competitiveness of the sport.
