So you got your NHL Futures bets for each trophy in earlier this year and now you’re itching for more. I will make my current, and way too early, predictions for the all the end of year NHL trophies.
NHL GM of the Year Award
Kyle Dubas – The signing of John Taveras was the move of the off season but he cannot be finished yet. Dubas has more moves to make in season to have a chance at the cup. The handling of William Nylander is an interesting one that if done right can assure the award for Dubas. With the scoring they are already seeing if they are able to strengthen their defense, maybe by moving Nylander, then they will be a team to be reckoned with and have a GM deserving of the award.
Mark Messier Leadership Award
Nathan Mackinnon – Leadership awards are trickier to predict being that someone can be acting like the leader the team needs at this moment and can turn out to be a total scumbag when his team starts to hit a rough patch. Mackinnon is someone that the Avalanche are going to need to be able to make the playoffs. If he can be the leader that he shows off the ice I believe its a Colorado team that he can take to playoffs.
The “Rocket” Richard Trophy
Alexander Ovechkin – The summer of Ovi is going to continue into the year of Ovi. Stoping an Alexander Ovechkin slapshot is like catching a meteor falling out of the sky. The man is the most deserving player every year to have the title of “Rocket” because not only is he firing the puck that hard; he actually scores.
King Clancy Memorial Trophy
Nathan MacKinnon – After watching the newly released Tim Horton’s video I believe that MacKinnon is more than deserving of this trophy. Great leader for the Avs and now the world has seen him reaching out to spread the game of hockey to Africa.
William M. Jennings Trophy
Martin Jones – This is the year that makes Martin Jones a difference maker. The Sharks defense is arguably the best the NHL therefore he has the pieces in front of him. It will all just depend in if he can last the year and if he can perform up to his ability.
Frank J. Selke Trophy
Sean Couturier – Moving up to the 1 C role last year was a big step for him. He was able to play with Giroux which lead to him adding a lot of offense to his role. Let’s all be honest, the Selke takes offense to get the role as well. This year is finally the year the Coots gets the trophy. He has been a top defending forward for a long time now but has never had that offensive kick that they require.
Jack Adams Award
Peter Deboer – For the Sharks to have the success they are capable of having, they will need their head coach. It will all come down to match ups with that defense. If he is able to match up his D with other teams offenses than Deboer can by praised for his coaching.
Ted Lindsay Award
Austin Matthews – With the start that Matthews has had, it is going to be difficult to argue against any MVP award for him. Matthews is tearing up the league right now. He is solidifying this spot as one of the futures of the NHL. When you find a goalie that is able to stop him right now, tweet me.
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
Nathan Mackinnon – See King Clancy Memorial Trophy
Conn Smythe Trophy
John Tavares – If the Leafs are to make a run like is very well possible they will need more than just Austin Matthews to help them along the way. Enter Tavares, they picked him up in the off season with one thing in mind and that’s the cup. If they are able to make it to the end a large portion will be because Tavares.
James Norris Memorial Trophy
Ivan Provorov – I swear this pick has nothing to do with a wish because I have money on him. That being said he has been my pick all year long. If the Flyers are going to look making a playoff run. Provorov will need to lead this Defense. Off to a rough start this year he is going to need a change. Maybe the change is in attitude or maybe its in partner.
Art Ross Trophy
Connor McDavid – It’s hard to see anyone taking this from McDavid. Connor’s ability to be involved in scoring plays is unbelievable. He has already broken a record on being involved in 9 straight goals for the Oilers. This alone is enough to believe that he will continue this year therefore leading the league again in points.
Calder Memorial Trophy
Elias Petterson – This was going to be my toughest one to pick. That is until Brady Tkachuk is now out for a month. It was once said “the Calder goes to whichever rookie survives the season.” It appears that will be true again this year.
Vezina Trophy
Segei Bobrovsky – Columbus is going to need a trophy winning goalie to have a chance at the playoffs this year and I believe that Bob is going to be that guy this year. Watch out for a healthy and motivated Bob.
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy
Johnny Gaudreau – A likely 2x winner of the trophy this year “Johnny Hockey” is going to have a great year again. He will likely lead a very good Calgary team to the playoffs. In the world of cocky young players Gaudreau does not fit that bill. He is always good for the game and helps young players see that you can be good and keep to yourself.
Hart Memorial Trophy
Austin Matthews – See Ted Lindsay Award
Presidents’ Trophy
Anaheim Ducks – This may come as a surprise that I think it will end like this. Although from watching the Ducks thus far it appears they are one of the most complete teams. They will continue to win this year and it could lead to the President’s Trophy. They are not my pick to win it all but I think the regular season will prove victorious from them.
Clarence S. Campbell Bowl
San Jose Sharks – Erik Karlsson in the playoffs with a good team around him is a scary thought. This sharks team is going to go far and I believe that they are a trade or two at the deadline from being the team to beat in the West.
Prince of Wales Trophy
Toronto Maple Leafs – For the same reason I’m choosing the Sharks. Matthews, Tavares, and maybe Nylander all on one team in the playoffs could be a very dangerous sight. These two picks based off of no what is currently happening but the potential both teams hold.
Stanley Cup
Toronto Maple Leafs – In a battle of offense against defense I like offense. I think the cup returns to Canada in a 7 game battle between the two teams. The leafs look good this year and are scoring like crazy. If everyone stays healthy this team will not be stopped offensively. Leafs in 7 is my pick to raise the trophy.
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