The buzz around the upcoming 2024-25 NHL season is reaching a fever pitch as fans and experts alike speculate on who will take home the coveted individual awards. Will Connor McDavid finally break his streak of seasons without a Hart Trophy? Can Cale Makar reclaim his Norris-winning form? And is there anyone out there who can challenge Auston Matthews in the Rocket Richard race?
As the season draws near, The Athletic has turned to their staff for predictions on who will come out on top. Team picks for the Stanley Cup winner and full playoff field will be coming soon, but first, let’s dive into the individual awards.
To provide insight, analysis, and a touch of skepticism, NHL senior writers James Mirtle and Sean Gentille, analytics guru Shayna Goldman, and betting expert Jesse Granger have all weighed in on the discussion.
When it comes to the Hart Trophy, which is awarded to the player deemed most valuable to his team, the consensus seems to be leaning towards McDavid. However, Granger offers an intriguing alternative, suggesting that Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils could be a dark horse candidate. “If the Devils are as good as I think they are, Hughes should be in the conversation,” Granger says. “He’s hovered around the 100-point 82-game pace for the last two seasons. If he can reach triple digits and New Jersey is back in the mix as a contender, he’s a solid pick at 11-1 odds.”
Mirtle, on the other hand, is steadfast in his belief that Matthews is the frontrunner for the Rocket Richard Trophy, which is awarded to the league’s leading goal-scorer. “Picking anyone but the Leafs captain at this point is just a contrarian play,” Mirtle asserts. However, Granger sees potential in David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins, highlighting his ability to challenge Matthews if the Bruins’ power play improves.
“Pastrnak scored only 12 goals on the power play last season,” Granger points out. “If he can get that number closer to the 18 he scored the year before, he has a better chance than anyone to beat out Matthews.”
Goldman chimes in with a note of caution, saying, “We’re seeing more 50-goal scorers in recent seasons, but 60… that’s a pretty high bar to reach.” However, Gentille is quick to embrace the underdog spirit, throwing his support behind a surprise contender. “Elias Lindholm knows how to facilitate offense with elite linemates,” Gentille says. “That’s good enough to get Pastrnak within spitting distance of Matthews. Maybe. Probably. Whatever.”
Turning our attention to the Norris Trophy, which is awarded to the best defenseman in the league, the consensus among the experts is that Makar is the frontrunner. “Makar is the best defenseman on the planet,” Granger declares confidently. “Voters have had a two-year break, and he’s the runaway favorite.”
As the excitement builds for the upcoming season, one thing is for certain – the race for individual awards promises to be as thrilling and unpredictable as ever. With superstar talent like McDavid, Matthews, Makar, and more in the mix, fans can look forward to a season filled with awe-inspiring performances and jaw-dropping moments on the ice.
