The NHL Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 20. The finalists for the awards have been announced over the past ten days or so. Here are the three finalists for the Hart Trophy, Jack Adams Award, and Calder Trophy.
To see the finalists for the Norris Trophy, Selke Trophy, and Vezina Trophy, click here.
Hart Trophy (Most Valuable Player)
- Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
MacKinnon, who won the Calder Trophy in 2014, easily put together the best season of his five-year career. In 74 games, he finished tied for ninth in the NHL in goals (39) & assists (59) and fifth in points (97).
His 12 game-winning goals tied for the league lead.
- Taylor Hall, New Jersey Devils
The first overall selection by the Oilers in the 2010 NHL Draft, Hall helped guide the Devils to their first playoff appearance in six years. The 26-year-old ended the year with 39 goals and 54 assists in 76 games.
- Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings
The 12-year veteran Kopitar is a Hart Trophy finalist for the first time after previously finishing eighth twice in voting. He played in all 82 games, and his 92 points (35 goals, 57 assists) were seventh-most in the league.
Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year)
- Bruce Cassidy, Boston Bruins
Cassidy was named head coach of the Bruins on February 7, 2017 taking over for the fired Claude Julien.
Boston finished this season with a 50-20-12 record and their 112 points were the third most in the league.
- Jared Bednar, Colorado Avalanche
Bednar's debut year as a head coach was a disaster with the Avalanche last season as the team finished 22-56-4. Colorado underwent quite the turnaround this season though finishing 43-30-9 earning their first postseason appearance since 2014.
- Gerard Gallant, Vegas Golden Knights
Not many people give a first-year expansion team in any sport a chance to be a contender of any sort. The Golden Knights have done that with Gallant leading the team to a 51-24-7 record and a Pacific Division crown.
Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year)
- Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders
The 20-year-old Barzal not only had a fabulous rookie season, but he also was among the league leaders with his 63 assists (fifth) and 85 points (tied for 13th).
- Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks
Boeser saw 29 of his 179 shot attempts (16.2 percent) count as goals this season. Playing in 62 games, the 21-year-old also added 26 assists.
- Clayton Keller, Arizona Coyotes
Keller played in all 82 games for Arizona scoring 23 goals and adding 42 assists. The center doesn't turn 20 until July 29.
