As the Stanley Cup Final unfolds, the NHL has recently revealed its prestigious award winners in anticipation of the upcoming NHL Award ceremony.

Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets has been crowned the Hart Trophy recipient, acknowledging him as the most valuable player in the league for the first time. Meanwhile, Cale Makar from the Colorado Avalanche clinched the Norris Trophy for best defenseman, receiving a majority of first-place votes.

Award Overview

• Hart Trophy:
  • Winner: Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
  • Finalists: Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning), Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)

The Norris Trophy, which honors top defensemen, saw Cale Makar earn the title ahead of Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks) and Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets). Makar’s achievement cements his place among the elite defensemen in the league.

The Calder Trophy for the best rookie went to Lane Hutson from the Montreal Canadiens, who led all rookies in points this season.

Other Notable Awards

• Vezina Trophy: Connor Hellebuyck also won this award for the best goaltender for the third time.
• Selke Trophy: Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers took home this award for his two-way excellence.

The announcements culminated in a night celebrating the merit of numerous athletes who excelled in their performances during the season.