"The NHL Awards races this season have been anything but predictable, given some of the chaotic variables. Florida Panthers star Aleksander Barkov won the past two Selke Trophies as the NHL's best defensive forward. He has yet to play a game this season after a preseason injury required knee surgery. Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck has won the past two Vezina Trophies as the NHL's top netminder, as well as the Hart Trophy as league MVP last season."
"He sat out around a month this season because of surgery, and hasn't hit his usual stats standards. Perhaps the biggest X factor of all? The 19-year-old star in San Jose who has announced his arrival among the NHL's superstars and in the MVP race. Welcome to the NHL Awards Watch for January. We've polled a wide selection of Professional Hockey Writers Association voters anonymously to get a sense of where the wind is blowing for the current leaders."
NHL award races feature major unpredictability as past winners and frontrunners have missed time due to injury and surgery while new talent emerges. Aleksander Barkov, a two-time Selke winner, has yet to play after knee surgery. Connor Hellebuyck, a two-time Vezina winner and last season's Hart Trophy recipient, missed about a month and has not matched previous statistical standards. A 19-year-old forward in San Jose has surged into superstar and MVP consideration. Voting is split among groups: Professional Hockey Writers Association members vote Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke and Lady Byng; broadcasters vote Jack Adams; general managers vote Vezina. Stats sources cited include Hockey-Reference, Natural Stat Trick and Evolving Hockey.
Read at ESPN.com
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