The 2025-26 NHL regular season is in its final week, and awards voters are finalizing their ballots amid some of the closest races in years. ESPN’s latest poll of Professional Hockey Writers Association members reveals the leaders and finalists across major awards, capturing late surges and fades as playoff positioning intensifies. [1]
Nikita Kucherov has overtaken Nathan MacKinnon for the Hart Trophy lead, while rookies like Matthew Schaefer dominate their category. These insights come from anonymous voter ballots, providing a snapshot of sentiment heading into the postseason.
Hart Trophy frontrunners
Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning has surged to the top of the Hart Trophy race, securing about 50% of first-place votes in the final poll. With 128 points in 74 games, his 1.73 points-per-game pace leads the league, carrying the Lightning through injuries to a playoff spot. Voters praised his impact, with one noting, “The Lightning aren’t comfortably in a playoff spot with well upwards of 100 points without Nikita Kucherov.”[1]
Connor McDavid sits second with around 35% of first-place votes. Since Leon Draisaitl’s injury on March 15, McDavid has tallied 10 goals and nine assists in 12 games, clinching Edmonton’s seventh straight playoffs. At 133 points in 80 games, he’s chasing a sixth scoring title and his fourth Hart.
Nathan MacKinnon earned third with his 126 points and league-leading 52 goals in 78 games, powering Colorado to the President’s Trophy. Despite a late dip, supporters argue, “If you take him off the Avs, they aren’t nearly the same team.” He’s seeking a second MVP after 2024.
Macklin Celebrini received some first-place nods despite San Jose’s struggles, with voters intrigued by his 100-point teenage season. Comments like “Celebrini for sure if the Sharks make the playoffs” highlight his potential wildcard status. Others mentioned include Cale Makar, Zach Werenski, and David Pastrnak.
This race exemplifies a “photo finish,” as one voter put it, blending individual brilliance with team success.
Norris Trophy battle
Zach Werenski leads the Norris with 53% of first-place votes, posting 22 goals and 59 points in 73 games for Columbus—14 points ahead of their next scorer. Averaging 26:34 in ice time across all situations, he’s the Blue Jackets’ MVP. “What, and where, is Columbus without Werenski?” a voter asked.
Cale Makar follows with 24% of votes, seeking a third Norris. His 20 goals and 75 points in 73 games include 16 at even strength, averaging 24:53. Backers emphasize his “dynamic game-changing ability from the backend.”
Evan Bouchard is third, on pace to lead defensemen in scoring with 91 points in 80 games—the fifth 90-point season this millennium. Improved 5-on-5 play bolsters his case.
Quinn Hughes and Lane Hutson also drew first-place votes, alongside mentions for Miro Heiskanen, Moritz Seider, and Rasmus Dahlin.
Werenski’s late charge underscores how individual carry jobs can sway defenseman awards.
Calder Trophy lock
Matthew Schaefer, the 18-year-old Islanders defenseman and 2025 first overall pick, is a unanimous choice in the poll for the third straight month. His 59 points in 80 games include 23 goals, second on the team, while logging 24:39 per night. Voters quipped, “It’s a bad year to be a rookie not named Matthew Schaefer.”
Ivan Demidov leads rookie scoring with 61 points for Montreal, one ahead of Anaheim’s Beckett Sennecke at 60. Both have 23 goals, tied for the lead.
Schaefer’s separation is clear, with sportsbooks pulling odds on the award.
This dominance positions him for potential hardware sweepstakes in future years too.
Vezina Trophy contenders
Andrei Vasilevskiy tops the Vezina poll with 43% of first-place votes, leading with 38 wins in 57 games, a .913 save percentage, and 2.30 GAA. “His entire season has been a masterclass in perseverance,” a voter said, amid Tampa’s challenges.
Ilya Sorokin trails closely at 33%, leading in goals saved above expected (26.7). His .907 SV% and 2.65 GAA are solid analytically.
Logan Thompson has 14%, with 26.6 GSAx. Jeremy Swayman and Scott Wedgewood also got nods.
General managers’ votes will decide, potentially diverging from writers.
Selke Trophy dominance
Nick Suzuki commands the Selke with 67% of first-place votes, up from prior months. His 99 points and plus-36 rating anchor Montreal’s 1.99 GA/60 at 5-on-5. “Elite on both sides of the puck,” a voter lauded.
Brock Nelson and Jordan Staal are finalists, with Staal at 55.5% faceoffs. Tampa’s Anthony Cirelli, Yanni Gourde, and Brandon Hagel drew votes too.
Suzuki’s five-month lead signals his breakthrough after emulating Patrice Bergeron.
Other notable awards
For the Lady Byng, Cole Caufield’s 51 goals and 14 PIM make him a fit, per traditional metrics.
Jon Cooper leads Jack Adams voting at 33%, navigating Tampa’s adversity. Lindy Ruff and Dan Muse follow, rewarding surprise playoff pushes by Buffalo and Pittsburgh.
Art Ross and Rocket Richard races link to ESPN stats, with Kucherov pacing points.
Voters’ final thoughts capture the drama, but official ballots may shift with last games. As one said of the Hart, “The ultimate photo finish.” Expect announcements post-playoffs, shaping offseason narratives.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.