While everyone awaits the dawn of the 2019-20 season, it’s time to wrap up the 2018-19 season with some wholesome family fun on a Wednesday night in Las Vegas.
Yes, it’s once again time for the National Hockey League to present its season awards to its members and gather around for an evening of B-list entertainment.
If– for some odd reason– you’re busy on a Wednesday night in June and can’t get your hockey fix– we’re here for you. Just follow along as we update the list of award winners as they’re announced.
And if you can tune in on TV, viewers in the United States can catch the 2019 NHL Awards Ceremony live from Las Vegas on NBCSN, while those in Canada can watch on Sportsnet at 8 p.m. ET.
Calder Memorial Trophy- Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
Other Finalists: Jordan Binnington (STL) and Rasmus Dahlin (BUF)
(best rookie/rookie of the year)
Art Ross Trophy- Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning
(presented to the player that led the league in scoring at the end of the regular season, awarded prior to Wednesday night)
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy- Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers
Other Finalists: Sean Monahan (CGY) and Ryan O’Reilly (STL)
(sportsmanship and ability, a.k.a. this player didn’t take a lot of penalties)
NHL General Manager of the Year Award- Don Sweeney, Boston Bruins
Other Finalists: Doug Armstrong (STL) and Don Waddell (CAR)
(best GM)
King Clancy Memorial Trophy- Jason Zucker, Minnesota Wild
Other Finalists: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (ARI) and Henrik Lundqvist (NYR)
(humanitarian/volunteering award)
Ted Lindsay Award- Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning
Other Finalists: Patrick Kane (CHI) and Connor McDavid (EDM)
(basically the “M.V.P.” as voted on by the NHLPA, a.k.a. the players)
James Norris Memorial Trophy- Mark Giordano, Calgary Flames
Other Finalists: Victor Hedman (TBL) and Brent Burns (SJS)
(best defender)
EA SPORTS NHL 20® Cover Athlete- Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
Other Finalists: None
(not actually a curse)
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy– Robin Lehner, New York Islanders
Other Finalists: Nick Foligno (CBJ) and Joe Thornton (SJS)
(perseverance and dedication to the sport)
Frank J. Selke Trophy– Ryan O’Reilly, St. Louis Blues
Other Finalists: Patrice Bergeron (BOS) and Mark Stone (VGK)
(best defensive forward)
Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy– Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
(presented to the goal scorer who scored the most goals in the season, so this one was already technically awarded before Wednesday night)
Jack Adams Award– Barry Trotz, New York Islanders
Other Finalists: Craig Berube (STL) and Jon Cooper (TBL)
(best head coach)
Vezina Trophy– Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning
Other Finalists: Ben Bishop (DAL) and Robin Lehner (NYI)
(best goaltender)
William M. Jennings Trophy– Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss, New York Islanders
(presented to the goaltender(s) who allowed the fewest total goals against in the season, awarded prior to Wednesday night)
Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award– Wayne Simmonds, Nashville Predators
Other Finalists: Mark Giordano (CGY) and Justin Williams (CAR)
(something related to leadership and growing the game that Mark Messier picks)
Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award– Rico Phillips
Other Finalists: Anthony Benavides and Tammi Lynch
(presented to an “individual who– through the game of hockey– has positively impacted his or her community, culture or society[,]” as described by the NHL)
Hart Memorial Trophy– Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning
Other Finalists: Sidney Crosby (PIT) and Connor McDavid (EDM)
(regular season M.V.P.)
2018-19 Team and 2019 Postseason Awards
President’s Trophy– Tampa Bay Lightning
(best record in the regular season, 2018-19)
Prince of Wales Trophy– Boston Bruins
(2019 Eastern Conference Champions)
Clarence S. Campbell Bowl– St. Louis Blues
(2019 Western Conference Champions)
Conn Smythe Trophy– Ryan O’Reilly, St. Louis Blues
(Stanley Cup Playoffs M.V.P. as determined by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association)
Stanley Cup– St. Louis Blues
(league champion, winner of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final)