NHL 2023 Awards Winners: Who Netted The Pucks

The ice has been ablaze this week as the National Hockey League hit a nerve-jangling pinnacle with the grand reveal of the 2023 NHL Awards winners. The jamboree popped off in the musical heartland of the USA – the dazzling city of Nashville.

We’ve been on the edge of our seats, nail-biting and betting our last bottle of Molson’s for a while now… our hockey superheroes were head-to-head, stick against stick, including the likes of speedsters Connor McDavid, Erik Karlsson, David Pastrnak, ice-slicers Cale Makar and Matthew Tkachuk, and defensive stalwart Adam Fox until they were disclosed in a blaze of glory.

Now, let’s see who skated away with the prestigious awards!

Hart Memorial Trophy for MVP

The heart of the matter was indeed at the Hart. The Hart Memorial Trophy for MVP – “the dude without whom the team would be a pack of lost puppies,” was clinched by the one and only, Connor McDavid of the Oilers.

Our man Connor is becoming a pro at this, having bagged the honor for the third time after his triumphs in 2022 and 2017. Also vying for the spot were David Pastrnak from the Bruins and Matthew Tkachuk from the Panthers. This was McDavid’s third swoop of the Hart Trophy, after his victories in 2022 and 2017.

Vezina Trophy for Best Goaltender

The Vezina Trophy for the “goalie who’s best at catching pesky pucks” was netted by Linus Ullmark of the Bruins. His cat-like reflexes have certainly paid off!

Standing firm between the posts and deflecting every attack, Linus Ullmark of the Bruins took home the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league’s best goalie of the NHL season. Connor Hellebuyck from the Jets and Ilya Sorokin from the Islanders were also in the running. This was Ullmark’s first-ever Vezina victory.

Ted Lindsay Award for Best MVP Voted by Peers

When it comes to the Ted Lindsay Award for the “absolute best player of the season as voted by the lads themselves,” Connor McDavid did it again. A true serial winner, he swept the ice for the fourth time, adding yet another feather to his cap with the Ted Lindsay Award.

This award, named after the Hall of Famer Ted Lindsay, is given to the NHL’s most outstanding player, as voted by his fellow ice gladiators. Erik Karlsson from the Sharks and David Pastrnak from the Bruins were the other contenders. This marks McDavid’s fourth Ted Lindsay win, following his previous triumphs in 2017, 2018, and 2022.

James Norris Memorial Trophy for Best Defenseman

The James Norris Memorial Trophy for the “defenseman who’s a force field on the ice,” was clinched by Erik Karlsson of the Sharks.

A hat-trick of wins for our Erik, following his previous glories in 2012 and 2015. Adam Fox from the Rangers and Cale Makar from the Avalanche were the other finalists. Karlsson has previously won the Norris twice in 2012 and 2015.

Calder Memorial Trophy for Best Rookie of the Season

Our newbie superstar, the winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy for the “best rookie of the season” was snatched up by Matty Beniers of the Kraken.

He took home the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s top newcomer of the season. Other contenders were Owen Power from the Sabres and Stuart Skinner from the Oilers.

Frank J. Selke Trophy for Best Forward

The Frank J. Selke Trophy for the “forward who is as good in his own end as the opponents’,” went to Patrice Bergeron of the Bruins, the NHL player who blends offensive dazzle with defensive prowess.

An encore performance from Patrice, making it his second consecutive win and the sixth in his career, breaking all records in the league’s history. Nico Hischier from the Devils and Mitch Marner from the Maple Leafs were also finalists.

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for Sportsmanship

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for the “perfect gentleman of the game, a real nice guy with mad skills,” went to Anze Kopitar of the Kings, for his second time around, the first being in 2016.

A gentleman both on and off the ice, Anze Kopitar from the Kings won the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and a high standard of playing ability. Other finalists were Jack Hughes from the Devils and Mitchell Marner from the Maple Leafs. Kopitar previously won this honor in 2016.

Jack Adams Award for Best Coach

Jack Adams Award for the “coach who could lead a team of mites to the Stanley Cup,” went to first-time winner Jim Montgomery of the Bruins. The award is given to the coach contributing most to his team’s success. It was Montgomery’s first ever Adams trophy.

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for the player who “exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey” was heroically won by Kris Letang of the Penguins.

Kris had the most grueling season, dealing with a stroke and the death of his father within a span of four weeks. Demonstrating an extraordinary comeback, Kris Letang from the Penguins took home the Bill Masterton Trophy, awarded for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

King Clancy Memorial Trophy

The King Clancy Memorial Trophy for the “player who’s a leader on and off the ice and a local hero in his community,” was rightfully claimed by Mikael Backlund of the Flames.

His work with the ALS Society of Alberta, Kids Cancer Care, Special Olympics Calgary, and Parachutes for Pets is making a real difference. The trophy was awarded for leadership qualities on and off the ice and significant humanitarian contribution to the community.

Mark Messier Leadership Award

Steven Stamkos of the Lightning proved his leadership both in the rink and society, clinching the Mark Messier Leadership Award, given for leadership in sports and society.

E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence:

Finally, Connor Bedard, from Regina Pats, demonstrated commendable character, competitiveness, and athleticism to secure the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence.

The Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award:

Last but not least, the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award was jointly awarded to Jason McCrimmon from Detroit and Dean Smith from Halifax for their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

Here’s to the heroes of the 2023 NHL Awards! You’ve given us a spectacular season and your phenomenal achievements are well-deserved.

Now, bring on the NHL Draft!

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