I know, we don’t even have a new CBA in place yet, but frankly, I’m tired of talking about the lockout. It’s a beautiful fall day, and I’m tired of being depressed about hockey. So when the stars align and the players and owners sign on the dotted line, here’s how I think the year-end awards will shake out.
Lady Byng Trophy (most gentlemanly): Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
It’s been several years since Datsyuk took home the Lady Byng, but it’s hard for a four-time winner to not be the favorite. He’s consistently noted as one of the kindest players in the league, and anyone who has played with him has raved about his leadership qualities on the ice.
Jack Adams Award (best coach): John Tortorella, New York Rangers
Had Ken Hitchcock not turned the Blues into hockey’s version of the Steel Curtain last year, Tortorella would have run away with the Jack Adams. No coach in the NHL consistently gets more out of his players than Tortorella. The only reason he may be shunned is if the media decides to punish him for his truculence with them, which is bordering on legendary.
Calder Trophy (rookie of the year): Nail Yakupov, Edmonton Oilers
This is kind of an obvious choice. Yakupov has tremendous natural skill, and should excel with the young core that the Oilers have been building. I’ll give a “dark horse” mention to two guys who came up during the playoffs last year: Chris Kreider and Brandon Saad. Kreider looks like America’s version of Evgeni Malkin, and Saad was a +35 in Saginaw last year. He’ll suit up next to some mega talents in Chicago.
Norris Trophy (top defenseman): Shea Weber, Nashville Predators
I think this will be very close, particularly between Weber and Kris Letang. Weber is more of a defensive stalwart, but Letang has shown marked improvement in all facets of his game on a yearly basis. However, Shea Weber put a puck THROUGH the net in the Olympics, and you just don’t mess with that level of awesome. Somebody writer will probably mention Zdeno Chara, but that’s only because Chara threatened to beat him up.
Vezina Trophy (top goaltender): Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators
Rinne is an absolute workhorse, leading all NHL goalies last year with 73 games played. I doubt this year will be any different. Rinne came up from almost total obscurity (he was the 258th overall pick in 2004) in 2008-09 to become one of the league’s best goalies. This is the year he proves he’s not “one of the best”, he’s simply “the best”.
Art Ross Trophy (most points): Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning had an off-year last season, but it was through no fault of Stamkos. If he played in a larger market, he’d get talked about far more than he does. Not only is he the most natural goal-scorer in the NHL, he’s also developed great vision on the ice, which has turned him into a total point machine. He won’t run away with this, but he’ll get it.
Hart Trophy (most valuable player): Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
If he wins the Art Ross, it’s hard to argue that he won’t win the Hart. Stamkos is the key cog on that Lightning squad, and they’ll live and die this year on Stamkos’ stick. He won’t let them down.
