Here is your guide to the 2015 NHL Awards Show, explaining the various pieces of hockey hardware and the nominees for each.
By Patrick Comia
It is the last official celebration of this past season, recognizing players for various distinctions such as most valuable player in the regular season, most goals scored in a season, and best general manager, just to name a few of the awards that will be given out.
The NHL Awards Show will be held in, yes that’s right, Las Vegas.
“Sin City” will host the event for the sixth time, Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm EST on NBCSN. That may mean we have not seen the last of “Doc” Emrick, Eddie Olcyk, and everyone’s favorite on-ice correspondent Pierre McGuire (cue the awkward feels).
It’s a merging of two worlds: hockey and entertainment. They work hand-in-hand, presenting awards to mostly deserving players that have encompassed that award’s attributes.
Think of it this way, it’s the Emmys Awards Show mixed with the sport of hockey. Got it?
It’s an awkward combination, if you put these two worlds in a blender. However, the powers that be at NHL headquarters want to promote the game and make it more accepted into mainstream society. That is probably the reason for the showcasing in a popular destination in North America.
This year, the festivities will be shared by two networks. As mentioned earlier, NBCSN will cover the main event. The NHL Network will do a pregame lead up to the main event, a red carpet showcase with interviews from the players nominated and any other person who was invited to the event.
There are 12 NHL awards being presented Wednesday evening. Here is your guide through the different awards and their nominees. We hope this will better inform which award is being given out and their meaning.
Hart Memorial Trophy
This annual award is given to the most valuable player of the regular season, as voted by the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association.
It was named in honor of Dr. David Hart, a former general manager and coach for the Montreal Canadiens. The award was first given out at the end of the 1923-1924 season. The original trophy is in Toronto, Canada at the Hockey Hall of Fame. The one presently awarded is named the “The Hart Memorial Trophy”.
Last year’s winner: Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
2015 Nominees: Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals), Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens), John Tavares (New York Islanders)
My pick to win: John Tavares
Vezina Trophy
This trophy is awarded to the best goalie in a reular season, as judged by the all 30 general managers of the NHL.
It was named in honor of Georges Vezina, a goaltender for the Canadiens who unexpectedly collapased during a game. He was later diagnosed with tuberculosis and died. The trophy was donated in his honor by the Canadiens organization.
Last year’s winner: Tuuka Rask (Boston Bruins)
2015 Nominees: Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens), Pekka Rinne (Nashville Predators), Devan Dubnyk (Minnesota Wild)
My pick to win: Carey Price
Norris Trophy
Officially named the James Norris Memorial Trophy, it is awarded to the best defenseman of the regular season, as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association.
The award is named in honor of James E. Norris, a Detroit Red Wings owner from 1932-1952. It was first awarded at the end of the 1953-1954 season.
Last year’s winner: Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks)
2015 Nominess: Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings), Erik Karlsson (Ottawa Senators), P.K. Subban (Montreal Canadiens)
My pick to win: Erik Karlsson
Calder Trophy
This award is given annually “to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League (NHL).”
It was named after Frank Calder, a former President of the NHL from 1917 till 1943. The award, voted by the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association, was first awarded after the 1936-1937 season. It was renamed the Calder Trophy after Mr. Calder’s death in 1943.
It is hockey’s version of the Rookie of the Year honor.
Last year’s winner: Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)
2015 Nominess: Aaron Ekblad (Florida Panthers), Johnny Gaudreau (Calgary Flames), Mark Stone (Arizona Coyotes)
My pick to win: Aaron Ekblad
Lady Byng Trophy
Officially named the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, this is awarded to “player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability”. Other words, the player who received the least amount of penalty minutes this past season.
The trophy is named in honor of Marie Evelyn Moreton, wife of former Canadian governor and war hero Viscount Byng of Vimy. She was an avid hockey fan and donated the trophy.
Last year’s winner: Ryan O’Reilly (Colorado Avalanche)
2015 Nominees: Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings), Jiri Hudler (Calgary Flames), Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings)
My pick to win: Jiri Hudler
Selke Trophy
This award is given to the most defensive forward. Named in honor of Frank J. Selke, a former owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, the award was first given after the 1977-1978 season. The award is the last major NHL award that was named after a general manager or owner.
Last year’s winner: Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins)
2015 Nominees: Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins), Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings), Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks)
My pick to win: Jonathan Toews
Adams Trophy
Formally known as the Jack Adams Trophy, it is hockey’s version of Coach of the Year. It is voted by a select group of NHL broadcasters.
The award is honor of Jack Adams, Hall of Fame player and coach. The award was first given out in 1974.
Last year’s winner: Patrick Roy (Colorado Avalanche)
2015 Nominees– Bob Hartley (Calgary Flames), Peter Laviolette (Nashville Predators), Alain Vigneault (New York Rangers)
My pick to win– Alain Vigneault
Masterton Trophy
First awarded in 1968, it was named after Bill Masterton, a former player of the then-Minnesota North Stars, who tragically died following an injury sustained during a game.
The winner is selected among a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association, who has the ability to overcome adversity, persevere in the face of trajedy, maintains good sportsmanship, while dedicating their play to the game of hockey.
Last year’s winner: Dominic Moore (New York Rangers)
2015 Nominees: Devan Dubnyk (Minnesota Wild), Andrew Hammond (Ottawa Senators), Kris Letang (Pittsburgh Penguins)
My pick to win: Kris Letang
Ted Lindsay Trophy
Formerly known as the Lester B. Pearson Award, it was renamed in 2010 after the Hockey Hall of Famer. He was known for his skill and leadership and played an important role in the formation of the Player’s Association. The award was originally given in 1971 and given to the most outstanding player. Unlike the Hart Trophy, this is voted on by members of the Players Association.
Last year’s winner: Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
2015 Nominees: Jamie Benn (Dallas Stars), Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals), Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens)
My pick to win: Alex Ovechkin
Messier Trophy
This award, known as the Mark Messier Leadership Award, recognizes players for their superior leadership on their team and contributions to society.
Named after the Captain Mark Messier, the awardees are hand-selected by Messier himself. The award was first given out in 2007.
Last year’s winner: Dustin Brown (Los Angeles Kings)
2015 Nominees: Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks), Andrew Ladd (Winnipeg Jets), Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks)
My pick to win: Jonathan Toews
NHL Foundation Trophy
This award was started in 1998 and is awarded to the player that has made the most significant contributions to charitable and humanitarian causes. An amount of $25,000 is donated to the recipient’s charitable choices and is named in his honor.
Last year’s winner: Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins)
2015 Nominees: Brett burns (San Jose Sharks), Mark Giordano (Calgary Flames), Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers)
My pick to win: Henrik Lundqvist
General Manager of the Year Award
The award is the most recent of the 12 being presented. Started in 2010, it is voted on by all 30 NHL general managers, five league executives, and five members of the media.
Last year’s winner: Bob Murray (Anaheim Ducks)
2015 Nominees: Bob Murray (Anaheim Ducks), Glen Sather (New York Rangers), Steve Yzerman (Tampa Bay Lightning)
My pick to win: Steve Yzerman