NHL: MacKinnon vs Celebrini, Who is the MVP? Analysis and favorites

NHL Awards Races: A Mid-Season Analysis

The NHL season has presented an unpredictable landscape regarding individual awards, with unexpected variables that have modified expectations. The absence of key figures due to injuries and the emergence of new talents have opened up a range of possibilities in the voting. In this January analysis, we explore current trends and the opinions of voters from the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA), who select the finalists for the Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke, and Lady Byng awards. General managers vote for the Vezina and broadcasters vote for the Jack Adams. Here’s a look at the contenders in the main categories:

Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)

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Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)

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Hart Memorial Trophy (Most Valuable Player)

Leader: Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado AvalancheFinalists: Macklin Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks; Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers MacKinnon leads the MVP race for the second consecutive month, demonstrating his impact on the game. His offensive performance and his fundamental role in the Avalanche’s success position him as the favorite. Although his percentage of first-place votes has decreased, he remains a dominant force.

MacKinnon is too crucial to the Avs’ success and has been the league’s best offensive player all season. Until that changes, he has it locked up.
Hart Trophy Voter

McDavid, with an exceptional offensive performance in December, positions himself as the main competitor, driving the Oilers. Celebrini, the young star of the Sharks, also joins the conversation, demonstrating his worth on the ice. The MVP race is open, with MacKinnon and McDavid as the main contenders and Celebrini emerging as a possible surprise.

Norris Trophy (Best Defenceman)

Leader: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

Finalists: Miro Heiskanen, Dallas Stars; Moritz Seider, Detroit Red Wings

Makar, with a dominant performance, leads the race for the Norris. His impact on both ends of the rink and his consistency have made him the favorite, securing the majority of first-place votes.

Makar continues on his own planet with the way he impacts the game.
Norris Trophy Voter

Heiskanen and Seider also stand out, with outstanding performances that position them as contenders. Hughes and Werenski are other names to consider in the vote.

Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year)

Leader: Matthew Schaefer, D, New York IslandersFinalists: Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens; Jesper Wallstedt, G, Minnesota Wild Schaefer is emerging as the clear favorite for the Calder, with a transformative impact on the Islanders. His skill and charisma have set him apart among the rookies.

Saying Schaefer is a generational talent is not an exaggeration. What he is doing at that age is incredible.
Calder Trophy Voter

Demidov and Wallstedt also compete, but Schaefer seems to have a significant advantage.

Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender)

Note: The NHL’s general managers vote for this award.

Leader: Logan Thompson, Washington CapitalsFinalists: Jesper Wallstedt, Minnesota Wild; Scott Wedgewood, Colorado Avalanche The absence of key figures has altered expectations for the Vezina. Thompson leads the race, with a solid performance that positions him as the favorite. Wedgewood, with an impressive performance, and Wallstedt, with great potential, also compete for the award.

Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward)

Leader: Nick Suzuki, Montreal Canadiens

Finalists: Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay Lightning; Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings

Barkov’s injury has opened the door to new contenders. Suzuki leads the race, with solid defensive play and an impact on puck recovery.

Nick Suzuki. That’s the list.
Selke Trophy Voter

Cirelli and Kopitar also compete, with outstanding performance in defense and leadership. The race for the Selke is open, with Suzuki as the leader, but with several players competing for the award.

Lady Byng Trophy (Sportsmanship)

This award, which recognizes fair play and sportsmanship, is traditionally given to the player with a high score in points and the fewest penalty minutes. Zach Werenski, with his outstanding performance and discipline on the ice, is a strong contender.