As the quarter-mark of the NHL season quickly approaches it’s about time I make my end of year predictions so I can loudly proclaim, “I told you so” from every rooftop I can find.
Art Ross Winner: Patrick Kane
Yes I realize how rare it is in today’s nhl for a player to repeat this award, but he seems to have found serious chemistry with Panarin and Anisimov, making for the most dangerous line in hockey right now. Oh yah, he also plays with Toews on the power play too. Even if he doesn’t win it, he’s pretty much guaranteed a top 5 spot.
Rocket Richard Winner: Steven Stamkos
The distraction that plagued him all year long last season is a thing of the past. Let’s be honest it’s either him or Ovechkin and I didn’t want to double up on every dude from last season.
Hart Trophy Winner: Connor McDavid
If the Oilers make the playoffs how could it not be him? He is the Edmonton Oilers and is easily the most entertaining and important player in the league.
Norris Trophy Winner: Shea Weber
Shea is currently leading the league in plus/minus and already making a big impact with his new team. The Subban trade for him didn’t make much sense at the time as Weber’s contract is pretty bad but he is still in his prime right now, which is likely why Marc Bergevin got him – the pressure is on to win now. The craziest stat I’ve seen so far: in the 10-0 blowout loss to the blue jackets, Weber had an even rating! How is it that even possible?
Calder Trophy Winner: Patrik Laine
Pretty much a toss up between him or Matthews, and since he scores more goals he’ll likely have a bigger impact. He has a deadly shot and is likely 1-2 years away from being a 40-goal scorer.
Vezina Winner: Carey Price
There really is no doubt or question here. He’s the best goalie in the world and is pretty much a Stanley Cup away from being one of the best of all time. A healthy Carey Price is a scary thought for opponents.
Stanley Cup Winner: Blackhawks over Canadiens
Blackhawks are rolling and don’t seem to have a weakness – plus Marian Hossa is proving that he still has enough left in the tank and last year was merely an aberration. The Habs come out of the east with the best backend in the league: Markov, Weber, Price. You simply can’t beat that combo.