NHL Awards Watch 2026 - Final Rankings Before Playoffs
Date: April 19, 2026
By IceHockeyMan Newsroom
The NHL awards race is entering its final stage, and for the first time this season, the separation between candidates is driven not just by production, but by impact under pressure. Several elite players remain in contention across all major trophies, with final performances now shaping the outcome.
👑 HART TROPHY - MVP RACE
Top Candidates:
- Nikita Kucherov - elite production, drives Tampa Bay offense
- Nathan MacKinnon - dominant pace and transition control
- Connor McDavid - still the most dangerous player shift-to-shift
- David Pastrnak - scoring consistency and offensive load
- Auston Matthews - goal scoring impact and two-way evolution
The Hart race is no longer about points alone. Kucherov and MacKinnon have separated themselves through consistent control of games, while McDavid remains the most explosive but with slightly less team-driven narrative this year.
IHM Signal:
Kucherov currently has the edge because his production directly translates into team results under pressure.
🛡️ NORRIS TROPHY - DEFENSEMEN
Top Candidates:
- Cale Makar - elite skating, transition and offensive control
- Quinn Hughes - puck possession and play-driving ability
- Roman Josi - consistent offensive output from blue line
- Adam Fox - defensive intelligence and structure control
Makar and Hughes are leading the race, but the difference comes down to complete game influence. Makar brings more physical dominance, while Hughes controls tempo and puck movement at a high level.
IHM Insight:
Makar’s ability to impact both ends under pressure gives him a slight advantage.
🧤 VEZINA TROPHY - GOALTENDERS
Top Candidates:
- Connor Hellebuyck - consistency and workload
- Igor Shesterkin - high-danger save ability
- Jeremy Swayman - efficiency and structure within system
- Thatcher Demko - stability and key saves
Hellebuyck remains the strongest candidate due to volume and consistency, but Shesterkin’s performance in high-pressure situations keeps the race open.
IHM Signal:
Hellebuyck leads, but Shesterkin is the most dangerous challenger if voters prioritize difficulty of saves.
🌟 CALDER TROPHY - ROOKIES
Top Candidates:
- Macklin Celebrini - elite rookie production and confidence
- Connor Bedard - high offensive ceiling and playmaking
- Logan Cooley - consistent two-way impact
Celebrini has surged late in the season, showing both scoring ability and composure. Bedard remains a top talent but has faced more defensive attention, impacting consistency.
IHM Insight:
Celebrini currently has the strongest momentum heading into final voting.
🔒 SELKE TROPHY - DEFENSIVE FORWARDS
Top Candidates:
- Aleksander Barkov - elite two-way center
- Patrice Bergeron - veteran defensive intelligence
- Jordan Staal - shutdown role specialist
- Anthony Cirelli - speed and defensive pressure
Barkov continues to define the modern Selke role, combining defensive awareness with offensive contribution. His consistency in top matchups gives him a strong edge.
IHM Signal:
Barkov remains the most complete defensive forward in the league.
🧠 Coach Mark Comment
Awards are decided late in the season because that is when real hockey begins. Space disappears, decisions matter more, and players are forced to operate under pressure. The ones who still control the game at that stage are the true leaders - not just statistically, but structurally.
🔥 Fan Pulse
Who should win the Hart Trophy this season: Kucherov, MacKinnon or McDavid?
❓ Q&A: NHL Awards 2026
Who is leading the Hart Trophy race?
Nikita Kucherov currently has the edge due to impact and consistency.
Who is the favorite for Norris Trophy?
Cale Makar leads, with Quinn Hughes as the closest competitor.
Who is the top Vezina candidate?
Connor Hellebuyck based on consistency and workload.
Who leads the Calder Trophy race?
Macklin Celebrini due to strong late-season performance.
Who is the Selke Trophy favorite?
Aleksander Barkov for his complete two-way play.