Why Nathan MacKinnon is the obvious choice for the Hart, other NHL trophies
Colorado is loaded with superstars but one is the clear choice for a few of the NHL's most prestigious awards.
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports - Why Nathan MacKinnon is the obvious choice for the Hart, other NHL trophiesThree Colorado Avalanche All-Stars chosen to spend the weekend in Toronto are also in contention for a few NHL awards. Other Avalanche players not participating in the All-Star festivities should get nods as well.
It's midseason and the countdown to the Stanley Cup Playoffs is in full effect. Who will win which accolade for the season is also being tossed around. Here are the Avalanche players who should be awarded each of these NHL trophies:
Art Ross Trophy (most points): Nathan MacKinnon — Colorado's elite forward has been in a race with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov for this honor most of the season. If MacKinnon continues the pace he's been on the first half of the season, he'll earn this award with more than 150 points.
Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (most goals): MacKinnon — He leads the team with 31 goals and is fifth in the league. He has two four-goal games this season and continues to get on the scoresheet in almost every single game. He's currently riding a 13-game point streak and had a 19-game point streak in November/December.
Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP): MacKinnon — While his linemate Mikko Rantanen has been impressive this season, MacKinnon has taken his game to another level. He scores 5-on-5, power play and in every way possible in his nearly 23-minute average time on ice.
James Norris Memorial Trophy (best defenseman): Cale Makar — This one is a no-brainer as Makar exemplifies talent at an elite level. "He can skate, he's got some bite to his game. He hits guys once in awhile that aren't expecting it and he's strong on his skates so when he hits it's hard. He can handle the puck and frustrate other forwards because he can break the puck out so well," Jack Johnson said about his fellow D-man.
Vezina Trophy (best goaltender): Alexandar Georgiev — By midseason, the Bulgaria native has played the most games and leads the league in wins. While he has had some ups and downs throughout the season, he maintains the net with a sense of confidence that has only improved as he continues to start the bulk of games.
Frank J. Selke Award (top defensive forward): Valeri Nichushkin — The 6-foot-4 Russian native sets up office in front of the net and battles with opposing players to get into that position. He creates scoring lanes for his teammates and manages to find the back of the net by keeping defenders off the puck.
Calder Memorial Trophy (best rookie): Sam Malinksi — The 25-year-old defenseman has earned 10 points in 22 games with the Avalanche, including a game-winner on Jan. 16 against the Ottawa Senators. He's a strong skater with solid puck-handling skills and drives hard to the net.
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication): Devon Toews — As a leader on the Avalanche, the 29-year-old defenseman logs an average of more than 24 minutes per game between even strength, power play and penalty kill. He exemplifies hard work on and off the ice and helps keep the chemistry of the team in place.
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct): Artturi Lehkonen — Although he missed more than two months due to injury, Lehkonen is a classy player who uses his finesse and talent to get on the scoresheet rather than grit and brut. It is rare to see the Finland native show aggression and he does not spend much time in the penalty box.