By Sean McIndoe, Dom Luszczyszyn, and Sean Gentille
Hockey fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating the upcoming NHL season, with plenty of speculation as to who will be taking home the league’s top honors. Predicting the award winners is always a thrilling exercise, filled with surprises and unexpected twists along the way.
As we look back at previous seasons, we see a mix of favorites and dark horses clinching the awards. From Connor Bedard’s undeniable Calder Trophy win to Connor McDavid’s fierce competition for the Rocket Richard, it’s clear that anything can happen in the NHL.
Last year, the bookies favored Bedard for the Calder Trophy, and he didn’t disappoint. As Sean McIndoe points out, “Sometimes the obvious favorites win…and sure enough, he ran away with the award to absolutely nobody’s surprise.” It’s a reminder that sometimes the obvious choice is the right one.
On the other hand, surprises do happen. Auston Matthews was a close runner-up for the Rocket Richard, showcasing that the race for these prestigious awards is never a sure thing. As Sean Gentille notes, “If we’re right, you’ll never hear the end of it. If we’re wrong, we’ll never bring it up again.” The unpredictability of the NHL keeps us on the edge of our seats.
As we delve into the odds for this coming season, Dom Luszczyszyn sheds light on some intriguing long shots. Aleksander Barkov at 100-to-1 odds for the Hart Trophy raises eyebrows, as he is considered a top 10 player in the league. Luszczyszyn emphasizes, “If Barkov is the runaway Selke winner like last year and hits over 100 points, he’ll be a contender for MVP.” It’s a bold prediction, but one that could pay off big time.
Looking at the Calder Trophy race, Josh Doan emerges as a sleeper pick at 50-to-1 odds. Luszczyszyn sees potential in the young player, noting his impressive performance in a limited number of games. “Doan had a hell of an audition…and looks to be a nice sleeper pick for the Calder,” Luszczyszyn mentions. Keep an eye on this rising star as he aims to make a name for himself in the NHL.
In the high-stakes world of NHL awards predictions, anything can happen. Whether it’s a seasoned veteran like Sidney Crosby or a fresh face like Connor Bedard, the race for these coveted trophies is always exhilarating. As we gear up for the upcoming season, one thing is certain – expect the unexpected on the ice.
