WAY TOO EARLY NHL AWARDS

Nick De Cicco

The weeks are ticking down until the beginning of the NHL 2022-’23 regular season and the offseason buzz has simmered down significantly. Based on the results from last season and the developments from the last two months, we are going to make some very early projections into the league’s yearly awards. Starting off, the biggest and most difficult trophy to win in all of sports.

Stanley Cup Champions - Colorado Avalanche

I believe that the defending champions will repeat in dramatic fashion. During the 2022 playoffs, Colorado absolutely dominated the entire Western Conference with their outstanding speed and focus with the puck.

Their dominance throughout that run was incredible and the returning core of Mackinnon, Makar, Rantanan, Nichushkin, Manson and Cogliano should be ready to do it again. The upgrade from Kuemper is a huge plus with the acquisition of Alexandar Georgiev. This team is stacked in all areas of the ice, they are the team to beat.

Runner-ups: Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers.

President's Trophy - Calgary Flames

The massive offseason acquisitions cannot be overlooked on this team. Despite the departure of Tkachuck, Johnny Hockey, and Monahan, the Flames acquire the likes of Huberdeau, Weegar and Kadri to replace the offensive trio. I think the magic from the Sunshine State will beam north of the border. Markstrom should have another solid year between the pipes.

Runner-up: Carolina Hurricanes

The Hart Memorial - Matthew Tkachuk

The new face of the Florida Panthers is my pick for this award. The blockbuster sign-and-trade asset put up massive numbers last year and is bound for another marathon run this year. With Huberdeau out of the way, it gives him the spotlight to showcase his elite abilities. Matthew’s physical presence will be a definite plus for the Panthers.

Runner-ups: Auston Matthews, Johnny Gaudreau, Jonathan Huberdeau.

The Vezina - Igor Shesterkin

The NYR’s goalie of the future is bound for another strong season between the pipes. The 26-year-old hasn’t reached his peak and will most likely step up from last year.

Adding depth pieces and inking a decent backup in Jaroslav Halak is important for Igor’s growth and confidence. The Rangers’ willingness to outdo themselves from last year will boost the remainder of the team to play well in front of Shesterkin.

Runner-ups: Jake Oettinger, Andrei Vasilevskiy.

James Norris Trophy - Cale Makar

The defending Stanley Cup champion is my selection for the Norris Trophy. As mentioned above, the Avs should be the team to beat this year and Makar stands the same ground. Cale’s incredible defensive abilities and offensive counterpart will shine again this year. He’s hungry and will improve on his weaknesses to stand as an even more well-rounded defenseman.

Runner-ups: Brent Burns, Mackenzie Weegar.

Art Ross - Connor McDavid

The time is now for the former first-overall pick in 2015 to rise the ranking of the NHL scoring leaderboards. The first full year of Evander Kane’s magnificence should elevate the Oilers superstar beyond the average numbers last year.

McDavid’s fantastic numbers last year should be a building block for a good 2022-’23 season to come. It’s time for the three-peat of this illustrious trophy since Jaromir Jagr won the award 4 years in a row between 1998-2001.

Runner-ups: Auston Matthews, Leon Draisaitl.

Maurice “Rocket” Richard - Auston Matthews

There needed to be at least one Leaf on this list. Matthews’ astonishing, franchise record-breaking year was something out of this world. His dissatisfaction with another first-round exit in the playoffs will give him and the remaining Leafs roster confidence to continue this incredible pace.

The addition of Calle Jarnkrok on the powerplay and tandem of Murray and Samsonov between the pipes are a plus for Auston’s chances of scooping up this award for a third straight year.

Regardless of who wins these prestigious awards, full of hockey royalty, one thing is clear. The National Hockey League is full of exceptional talented athletes that will most definitely leave everything they have out on the ice and entertain the fans for generations to come!