NHL awards 2021: Finalists for Hart, Norris, Vezina and other honors

As the Stanley Cup playoffs continue to roll along, the NHL is announcing the finalists for the 2021 NHL Awards. 

Several players have emerged as the names to look for when award winners are finally announced. Oilers’ center Connor McDavid looks like the heavy favorite to win the Hart Memorial Trophy over other top contenders such as the Leafs’ Auston Matthews, whereas Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy looks like he could be due for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender, if he can hold off the Golden Knights’ Marc-Andre Fleury.

McDavid was the only player in the NHL with more than 100 points — he led the field by 21 points — with 33 goals (second-best) and 72 assists (best). 

If McDavid and Vasilevskiy win the two honors, it would both be their second times taking home the respective trophies. 

Some other names to be on the lookout for: Lightning defender Victor Hedman is viewed as a strong choice in the Norris Trophy hunt, while Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov is looking like the front-runner for the Calder after he finished the season with 27 goals and 24 assists. 

Check out the finalists for the most prestigious awards in the NHL as they are released. 

Vezina Trophy (top goaltender)

Ted Lindsay Award (MVP as voted by players)

Announcement on Wednesday, June 2

Calder Memorial Trophy (best rookie)

Announcement on Thursday, June 3

King Clancy Memorial Trophy (leadership)

Announcement on Friday, June 4

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (most gentlemanly player)

Announcement on Saturday, June 5

Frank J. Selke Trophy (best defensive forward)

Announcement on Sunday, June 6

Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award (impact on community)

Announcement on Monday, June 7

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (dedication to hockey)

Announcement on Tuesday, June 8

James Norris Memorial Trophy (best defenseman)

Announcement on Wednesday, June 9

Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)

Announcement on Thursday, June 10

Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year)

Announcement on Friday, June 11

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