Preseason NHL Award predictions

Giustino's picks

Hart Memorial Trophy Prediction

Matthew Tkachuk: Florida Panthers

I am going to go a little bit down the vault right now and predict that a year after Tkachuk led his team to a Stanley Cup title this past season.

Last season was technically a down year statistically for the “Rat King” who had only 88 points last season after eclipsing the 100-point mark the previous two seasons.

Vezina Trophy Prediction

Igor Shesterkin: New York Rangers

The Russian netminder has already won a Vezina trophy back in the 2021-22 season, and this year I think he will take home his second golden goalie trophy.

He has been good enough to win it the past few seasons, but he hasn’t had the GAA average to match his success, and my prediction is he gets back to the 2.07 GAA as he did in 21 this upcoming season.

James Norris Trophy Prediction

Adam Fox: New York Rangers

For starters, I am not a Rangers fan, but Adam Fox has consistently been one of the best defenders in the NHL. Last year he put up 73 points and had a career 17 goals, but was fourth in Norris voting.

I think this year he could put up 20 goals and cement himself alongside another superstar in Cale Makar, as a hall-of-fame caliber player.

Andrew’s Picks

Art Ross Trophy Prediction

Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

McDavid continues to show that he is one of the most skilled and dangerous players of all time.

Over the last four seasons, McDavid has won the Art Ross trophy for the most points in the NHL. McDavid will almost certainly be right in that conversation again this season after falling just short with 132 points a season ago.

Frank J. Selke Trophy:

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

Somehow, someway, Crosby has continued to defeat Father Time. With that, his play has continued to become even more well-rounded as he gets older.

After receiving 85 votes last season, Crosby will prove he is one of the top defensive forwards in the NHL.

Jack Adams Award:

Andrew Brunette, Nashville Predators

The Predators have added an immense amount of talent in the offseason including Steven Stamkos.

Nashville seems to be fully back and in a hockey city the fans will be buzzing about this team for the whole season.

If the team lives up to the talent that is throughout the squad, Brunette will be at the top of the list for the Jack Adams award for the top coach in the league.

Joe’s Picks

The following excerpt contains information that is not representative of the opinions of CommRadio. It solely expresses the opinions of Joseph Granton.

Calder Trophy Prediction: Matvei Michkov

Matvei Michkov stands out as one of the most exciting prospects for the 2024-2025 Calder Trophy due to his incredible offensive talent and comparisons to former elite Russian prospects like Artemi Panarin and Evgeni Malkin.

Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023, Michkov has been lauded for his exceptional vision, puck handling, and scoring ability, traits that could make him an instant impact player in the NHL.

Currently sitting at +300 on DraftKings Sportsbook, Michkov is the betting favorite to win the Calder, with a point total sitting at 48.5. Michkov will easily surpass 50 points and rightfully claim the Calder Trophy.

Presidents Trophy: Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes are strong contenders to win the Presidents' Trophy in the 2024-2025 season due to their well-rounded, deep roster and consistent coaching in recent years. Former Hurricane and current head coach Rod Brind'Amour has led Carolina to the playoffs in each of his first six seasons at the helm, reaching 50+ wins in each of the last three.

They possess a loaded roster with stars like Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Teuvo Teravainen, combined with one of the league’s best defensive cores, featuring Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns. Their depth, consistency, and coaching make them one of the safest bets to finish the regular season with the best record.

If they stay healthy and continue their strong regular-season dominance, the Hurricanes could secure the NHL's best regular-season record in 2024-25. Carolina should be able to achieve 50 wins for a fourth consecutive year and have another shot at winning the Presidents Trophy.

Stanley Cup Winner: Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars are primed to make another deep postseason run and potentially win the Stanley Cup in the 2024-2025 season. Dallas currently rosters five forwards who scored 60 or more points last season, including Jason Robertson who eclipsed 80.

With the additions of Matt Dumba and Ilya Lyubushkin during the offseason, Dallas solidified their defense, adding physicality and reliability in front of their standout goaltender Jake Oettinger.

Oettinger’s ability to steal games with his elite goaltending gives Dallas an advantage over just about every team in the playoffs.

Their mix of veteran leadership, with players like Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, combined with rising stars such as Wyatt Johnston and Logan Stankoven, provides the depth and balance needed to succeed in another grueling playoff run.

After their strong performance in the 2023-2024 season, which saw them reach the Western Conference Finals, Dallas is ready to take the next step and capture their second Stanley Cup in franchise history. The Stars are currently +1100 on DraftKings Sportsbook, third-best odds to win and hoist the best trophy in sports.

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Giustino Racchini is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, you can email him at gar5448@psu.edu.

Andrew Deal is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email asd5765@psu.edu.

Joseph Granton is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jlg6619@psu.edu.