Mar 5, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) eyes Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) as he looks to get around him during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
With the 2024-25 NHL season underway, here are my picks for the major individual awards in the coming season.
Art Ross Trophy ā Most Points ā Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Going into every year the pick for this award should be Connor McDavid. Does he win it every year? No. He finished third in the points race behind Nikita Kucherov and Nathan MacKinnon, mainly because he missed six games. But as long as McDavid is in the league and around his prime he should be the choice to lead the league in points.
Maurice āRocketā Richard Trophy ā Top Goal Scorer ā Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple LeafsĀ
Matthews has won the award three out of the last four years and is the best goal scorer on the planet. Much like McDavid and the Art Ross, Matthews should be a Rocket Richard pick as long as heās in the peak years of his career.
Frank J. Selke Trophy ā Top Defensive Forward ā Aleksander Barkov, Florida PanthersĀ
The defending Selke champ should have no problem winning it again in 2025. Heās the best overall two-way forward in the NHL and is carrying some Stanley Cup momentum with him into the 2024-25 season.
Calder Memorial Trophy ā Rookie of the Year ā Cutter Gauthier, Anaheim Ducks
The 5th overall pick in 2022 will have a lot of pressure on him this season after his controversial trade request from the Philadelphia Flyers last season. I expect Gauthier to be able to handle any pressure he faces and have a solid rookie season for the new look Ducks.
Jack Adams Award ā Top Head Coach ā Craig Berube, Toronto Maple Leafs
I think that Berube will come into Toronto and help establish an identity that the team has lacked over the years. I can see Berube leading the Maple Leafs to their first Atlantic Division title en-route to winning the Jack Adams Award.
James Norris Memorial Trophy ā Top Defenseman ā Cale Makar, Colorado AvalancheĀ
The 2022 Norris winner had a great season in 2023-24 but he was one-upped by Quinn Hughes. I expect Makar to continue his terrific play and claim a second Norris Trophy by the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Vezina Trophy ā Top Goaltender ā Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars
Oettinger has been one of the better and more consistent goalies in the NHL in recent seasons and this feels like the year he takes a jump into being one of the best. I feel Oettinger claims his first career Vezina in the 2024-25 season.
Hart Memorial Trophy ā Most Valuable Player ā Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Heās the best in the league, thereās not much more to it. Heās got added motivation following his teamās Game 7 loss in the Stanley Cup Final. Look for a huge season from McDavid.
Kevin Maggiore has been producing on the Felger & Mazz program since January of 2022 and has been producing with 98.5 The Sports Hub since 2018. Kevin also produces New England Patriots broadcasts on The Sports Hub and has produced Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins broadcasts in the past. Kevin grew up in Saugus, Massachusetts and is still in the area today. A lifelong hockey fan, Kevin collects hockey jerseys and has over 100 jerseys in his collection. Kevin loves spending his time away from the office on the golf course. Kevin writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.
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