Nikita Kucherov and Leon Draisaitl (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/61a3f9f8-adb2-4d74-a3a3-f4db8d9b0976.jpeg] Nikita Kucherov and Leon Draisaitl (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images) The NHL's scoring and goal-stopping races wrapped up as awards season begins. Edmonton Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers] center Leon Draisaitl won the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy for the first time in his career. Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning] right winger Nikita Kucherov is also now a three-time Art Ross Trophy winner, while Winnipeg Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets] goaltender Connor Hellebuyck won the William M. Jennings Trophy for the second time. Is it surprising that Hellebuyck was ranked third in an NHLPA poll on the best overall goalie? Draisaitl, 29, scored the most goals in the NHL in 2024-25, with 52 in 71 games. He finished seven goals ahead of second place, Toronto Maple Leafs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs] right winger William Nylander, who had 45. Of Draisaitl's total goals, 36 came at even strength, 16 were on the power play, six were scored in overtime and 11 overall counted as game-winners. But while this is Draisaitl's first time winning the 'Rocket' Richard Trophy, 52 goals is not his career high. He scored 55 times in 2021-22, when Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews scored 60. Draisaitl also had 52 goals in 2022-23, when teammate Connor McDavid potted 64. Fifty-two goals are the lowest total for the 'Rocket' Richard winner since Matthews scored 41 in the 56-game 2020-21 season. They're also the fewest in an 82-game season since 2018-19, when Washington Capitals [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals] captain Alex Ovechkin had 51. Draisaitl sat alone in first place in the goal-scoring race from Dec. 16 onward despite missing 11 of the Oilers' 51 games remaining, the NHL said in Thursday night's announcement. [https://www.nhl.com/news/lightning-nikita-kucherov-art-ross-trophy-oilers-leon-draisaitl-maurice-richard-trophy] Kucherov, meanwhile, only got up to a tie for first place on March 29. He and Colorado Avalanche [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche] center Nathan MacKinnon had a late-season Art Ross Trophy race [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/nhl-art-ross-race-heats-up-will-mackinnon-or-kucherov-record-the-most-points], with MacKinnon ending the campaign on an eight-game points streak. But with Kucherov recording five points in his final three games, he won the Art Ross with 121 points, five more than MacKinnon's 116. The two-time Stanley Cup champion is the 10th player in NHL history to win the Art Ross Trophy at least three times since it was first presented in 1947-48. Kucherov, 31, recorded a point in 65 of his 78 games played this season, according to the NHL. He also produced three points or more in 17 games, which ranked him first in the league. On Wednesday, the NHL acknowledged [https://www.nhl.com/news/connor-hellebuyck-of-winnipeg-jets-wins-william-m-jennings-trophy-2024-2025-season] Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck for clinching the 2024-25 William M. Jennings Trophy, presented annually to the goaltender or goaltenders who played a minimum of 25 games for the team allowing the fewest goals during the regular season. The Jets finished with 190 goals against – 191 including shootout-deciding goals – while the second-place Los Angeles Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings] had 203 goals against and 206 including shootout-deciders. Hellebuyck, 31, conceded 125 goals in 63 games this season. He finished the regular season with a 47-12-3 record, .925 save percentage, 2.00 goals-against average and eight shutouts. Jets backup Eric Comrie played 20 games and had a .914 SP, 2.39 GAA and two shutouts. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
