The race for individual glory in the National Hockey League has reached a fever pitch as the 2025-26 season crosses its midpoint. In our latest NHL Awards Watch, we take a deep dive into the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) polling data to see which stars are currently positioned to take home the league's most prestigious honors. With several new names entering the conversation for the Hart and Vezina trophies, and a fresh crop of rookies shaking up the Calder race, the second half of the season promises to be a sprint to the finish line.
Tracking the NHL Awards Watch Favorites: The Hart and Norris
The race for the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player judged most valuable to his team, has become a high-stakes duel between established icons and a rising superstar. According to the PHWA poll, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche remains the primary focus of the conversation, but the pressure is mounting. While Nikita Kucherov continues to put up elite numbers for the Tampa Bay Lightning, the real threats to MacKinnon’s lead have shifted this season.
Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers is once again surging, reminding voters why he is a perennial favorite. However, the most compelling story in this year's NHL Awards Watch is the sophomore surge of Macklin Celebrini. No longer a rookie, the San Jose Sharks standout has entered the MVP conversation by carrying a rebuilding roster on his back. Celebrini’s ability to drive play and create high-danger scoring chances at such a young age has forced PHWA voters to take notice, making the Hart race a three-headed monster heading into March.
The Norris Trophy: Defensemen Redefining the Game
In the quest for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, the competition among defensemen has never been more elite. This year’s poll highlights a three-way tug-of-war between Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, and Zach Werenski. Each of these blueliners brings a unique style to the ice, but all three have been instrumental in their teams' success during the 2025-26 campaign.
Cale Makar remains the standard-bearer for the position, blending defensive reliability with an offensive output that rivals top-tier forwards. His skating edge work allows him to transition from defense to offense in the blink of an eye. However, Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks has stayed hot on his heels, leading a resurgence in the Pacific Division with his exceptional puck distribution. Perhaps the most intriguing development is the rise of Zach Werenski. The Columbus Blue Jackets captain has seen his stock rise significantly due to his heavy workload and consistent production, proving he belongs in the same breath as Makar and Hughes.
Vezina and Selke: Thompson and Suzuki Take Center Stage
The Vezina Trophy race for the league's best goaltender has seen a significant shift in momentum. While the early season featured several contenders, Logan Thompson has emerged as the frontrunner in the mid-season poll. Thompson’s ability to provide stabilizing, elite-level goaltending has been a revelation, with his high-danger save percentage and goals saved above expected (GSAx) metrics leading the league. Voters are increasingly looking at these advanced stats to differentiate the top netminders, and Thompson currently holds the analytical edge.
Similarly, the Frank J. Selke Trophy race has found a clear leader in Nick Suzuki of the Montreal Canadiens. With a new generation of defensive forwards stepping up, Suzuki has distinguished himself through his impeccable positioning, faceoff dominance, and ability to neutralize the opposition's top scoring lines. PHWA voters have noted that Suzuki’s impact on the game extends far beyond the scoresheet, making him the definitive favorite for the league's top defensive forward honor at this stage of the season.
The Calder Trophy: A New Class of Rookies
The Calder Memorial Trophy race looks vastly different than it did a year ago. With former top prospects like Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard now established veterans, a fresh crop of talent is vying for the title of the NHL’s top rookie. Leading the pack is Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders. The poised young blueliner has stepped into a top-four role with veteran-like composure, earning praise for his gap control and transition game.
Challenging Schaefer for the honor is Beckett Sennecke of the Anaheim Ducks. Sennecke has provided a much-needed offensive spark in Anaheim, showcasing the skill and creativity that made him a high draft pick. As these young stars adjust to the rigors of an 82-game schedule, their performance in the final months of the season will ultimately determine who takes home the hardware. For now, the NHL Awards Watch suggests a tight battle between the Islanders' defender and the Ducks' forward.
As the season progresses toward the playoffs, the margin for error for these award hopefuls is razor-thin. Whether it is MacKinnon chasing another MVP or a young star like Schaefer looking to make history, the final stretch of the 2025-26 NHL season will be defined by these individual quests for excellence.
Sources & Original Reporting
