Habs Gear Up for Playoffs with Trophy Aspirations in NHL

With the NHL entering a break for the Olympics until February 25, the focus shifts to the Montreal Canadiens, who concluded the pre-break segment with an impressive record of 4-0-1. This puts the team in a promising position for playoff qualification. Coach Martin St. Louis will be looking to capitalize on this momentum as the team prepares for the final stretch of the season, needing to maintain their intensity in a competitive Eastern Conference.

The Canadiens are set to welcome back key players such as Alex Newhook, Cole Caufield, and Lane Hutson. Their return, coupled with the experience of players like Kirby Dach and Kaiden Guhle, positions the team well as they aim for a playoff berth. Meanwhile, the future of Patrik Laine remains uncertain, with speculation surrounding his long-term role in Montreal. As the trade deadline approaches, the potential addition of Michael Hage could further bolster the Canadiens’ roster.

As the regular season resumes, attention will also turn to the NHL’s most prestigious awards. With approximately 25 games remaining, many Canadiens players are in contention for various trophies. Here’s a look at some of the frontrunners for the major awards.

Hart Trophy: Leading Candidates for MVP

The race for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s Most Valuable Player, features a competitive lineup. The current favorites include:

1. Nathan MacKinnon
2. Nikita Kucherov
3. Macklin Celebrini
4. Connor McDavid
5. Zach Werenski

MacKinnon, with 93 points and a staggering +48 rating, had been the clear favorite until Kucherov’s recent surge in performance. Celebrini, a rookie with the potential to lead his team to the playoffs, could disrupt the rankings if he maintains his scoring pace. Werenski’s contributions for Columbus have been crucial; he ranks highly in goals scored and ice time, putting him in strong contention.

Calder Trophy: Rookie of the Year Race

The Calder Trophy is another closely watched competition as several rookies vie for recognition. The top contenders are:

1. Matthew Schaefer
2. Ivan Demidov
3. Beckett Sennecke
4. Oliver Kapanen
5. Jakub Dobes

Schaefer leads the charge, but Demidov remains within striking distance despite needing a substantial increase in points to overtake him. Sennecke’s recent performances indicate he could disrupt the top rankings as he continues to improve week by week. Kapanen and Dobes are less likely to win but could still make strong showings in the final voting.

Norris Trophy: Best Defenseman Candidates

The competition for the Norris Trophy is fierce, with several players showcasing exceptional defensive skills. Key candidates include:

1. Zach Werenski
2. Cale Makar
3. Lane Hutson
4. Quinn Hughes
5. Miro Heiskanen

Werenski is currently leading in points among defensemen and plays a pivotal role for his team. Makar, a previous frontrunner, has faced stiff competition from Werenski. Hutson, recognized for his competitive spirit, stands a chance for a podium finish, while Hughes’s extensive ice time further highlights his experience.

Selke Trophy: Best Defensive Forward

The Selke Trophy, awarded to the best defensive forward, is primarily influenced by player reputation. Top contenders include:

1. Nick Suzuki
2. Anthony Cirelli
3. Jack Eichel
4. Leon Draisaitl
5. Anze Kopitar

This season, Suzuki has emerged as a frontrunner, showcasing a strong offensive performance with 89 points. Cirelli’s potential return from injury could make him a contender, while Eichel and Draisaitl consistently earn votes based on their established reputations.

Coaching and Management Awards

The pursuit of the Jack Adams Award for the best coach also sees Martin St. Louis in the spotlight. Under his leadership, the Canadiens have made significant strides, improving by 15 points compared to last season. If they maintain their playoff position, St. Louis could secure his place as a finalist once again.

The Jim Gregory Trophy for the best general manager may also favor Kent Hughes. His strategic moves, including acquiring key players, have garnered attention, and if the Canadiens finish the season strong, Hughes could be a serious contender for the award.

In conclusion, the Canadiens could potentially have representatives in up to nine categories for the NHL awards this June. With players likely to be recognized for their skill and performance, the upcoming weeks will be critical in solidifying their positions as the playoffs approach. The eyes of the hockey world will undoubtedly be on Montreal as they navigate this pivotal time in the season.