As the echoes of the latest Stanley Cup Final fade and the ink dries on new contracts, the National Hockey League’s landscape for the 2025-26 season is beginning to take shape. With free agency largely concluded, teams have solidified their rosters, setting the stage not just for collective triumph, but for individual brilliance. This isn`t merely about wins and losses; it`s about the relentless pursuit of excellence, the captivating narratives, and the players who transcend the game. The upcoming season promises a compelling battle for hockey’s most coveted individual honors.
Every year, these awards spark fervent debate among fans and analysts alike. Will a veteran cement his legacy? Can a rookie announce his arrival with a bang? The beauty of the NHL lies in its unpredictability, but a peek at the early favorites and dark horses offers a tantalizing glimpse into the potential storylines awaiting us. Let`s delve into the races for the Hart, Calder, Vezina, and Norris Trophies, identifying who might hoist the hardware and why their journeys will be worth watching.
The Hart Trophy: The League`s Most Valuable Player
The Hart Memorial Trophy is arguably the most prestigious individual award in hockey, reserved for the player judged “most valuable to his team.” It`s a recognition that often intertwines with team success, though not exclusively. After Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck surprised many by claiming the award in 2024-25 – a rare feat for a netminder – the field for 2025-26 is stacked with familiar titans and hungry challengers.
The Reigning Prodigy: Connor McDavid
Is it truly a surprise to see Connor McDavid atop this list? The Edmonton Oilers captain remains, by a consensus that borders on universal, the most electrifying talent in the game. While the Stanley Cup has proven elusive, McDavid`s individual brilliance is undeniable, having already claimed the Hart Trophy multiple times. Coming off another deep playoff run, perhaps fueled by the perennial quest for Lord Stanley`s Cup, his motivation might be at an all-time high. A player of his caliber, with such a clear mandate to carry his team, is always a prime candidate for MVP, almost as if he’s playing a different sport entirely.
The Lone Wolf`s Howl: Auston Matthews
For an “under the radar” candidate, Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs presents a fascinating case. With Mitch Marner having departed for the bright lights of Vegas, Matthews is poised to shoulder an even greater offensive burden. He`s no stranger to MVP-caliber seasons, having already secured a Hart Trophy with a sensational 60-goal campaign. If anyone thrives under pressure and increased responsibility, it`s Matthews. His ability to single-handedly dictate the pace and outcome of games will be amplified, making him a compelling contender to reclaim the award.
The Vegas Playmaker: Mitch Marner
And what of Mitch Marner, now a Golden Knight? A longshot for the Hart, perhaps, but a change of scenery can sometimes ignite a career. Playing alongside Jack Eichel in Vegas, Marner could find a new dimension to his already elite playmaking abilities. Fresh off his first 100-point season, Marner`s opportunity to shine on a new Stanley Cup contender provides a narrative arc worth following. While winning the Hart would require a truly outlandish season, stranger things have certainly happened in the desert.
The Calder Trophy: Announcing the Next Generation
The Calder Memorial Trophy celebrates the NHL`s most outstanding rookie. It`s a preview of tomorrow`s superstars, a moment for fresh faces to etch their names into hockey lore. After Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson took home the honors in 2024-25, the stage is set for a new crop of talent. Unlike seasons that occasionally feature generational talents stepping directly into the NHL, 2025-26 seems to offer a more open, competitive field among highly-touted prospects.
The Russian Dynamo: Ivan Demidov
Leading the rookie charge is Ivan Demidov, selected fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens. Having already dipped his toes in the NHL waters late last season, even finding the back of the net in his debut, Demidov`s early professional experience gives him a significant edge. His exceptional vision and high hockey IQ are the hallmarks of a player poised to make an immediate impact. Playing for a Canadiens squad aiming for a playoff push, Demidov`s transition from prospect to prominent offensive force could be swift and spectacular.
The Shark`s New Teeth: Michael Misa
The San Jose Sharks, continually building for the future, landed Michael Misa with the second overall pick. Misa is an offensive wizard, coming off a staggering 134-point season in the OHL. The question for Misa, as with many top prospects, is whether he makes the Sharks` opening night roster. If he does, his sheer talent, particularly his scoring prowess, makes him an undeniable candidate for the Calder. The Sharks’ rebuild offers ample ice time and opportunity for a player of his potential to shine brightly.
The Flames` Blue-Line Spark: Zayne Parekh
Another defenseman looking to follow in Lane Hutson`s footsteps is Zayne Parekh of the Calgary Flames. Like Demidov, Parekh got a taste of NHL action last season, scoring in his debut. His offensive acumen from the blue line is remarkable – 107 points in the OHL speak volumes. With the Flames potentially reshaping their defensive corps, Parekh could secure a prominent role, showcasing his offensive flair and defensive maturity from day one. A defenseman winning the Calder is no longer a rare sight, and Parekh certainly has the tools to keep that trend alive.
The Vezina Trophy: Guardians of the Net
The Vezina Trophy recognizes the league`s best goaltender, a position often characterized by quiet heroism and game-stealing performances. For the past two seasons, that honor has belonged to Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck, who also astonishingly captured the Hart Trophy in 2024-25. His dominance is undeniable, but the league is brimming with talented puck-stoppers eager to challenge his reign.
The Unrivaled King: Connor Hellebuyck
Given his consecutive Vezina wins and a Hart Trophy to boot, Connor Hellebuyck remains the undisputed favorite. His statistics from 2024-25 were phenomenal: a 47-12-3 record, a 2.00 GAA, and a .925 save percentage. He embodies consistency and, at times, sheer invincibility. Until another goaltender consistently matches his elite performance, Hellebuyck holds a virtually unassailable position as the benchmark for excellence between the pipes. To dethrone him would require nothing short of a legendary season.
The Calgarian Climber: Dustin Wolf
The Calgary Flames` Dustin Wolf is an intriguing “under the radar” candidate. After finishing second in the Calder race last season, Wolf quickly established himself as a legitimate NHL starter following Jacob Markstrom`s departure. His 29-16-8 record, 2.64 GAA, and .910 save percentage in his rookie year are remarkable. With a full season as Calgary`s undisputed No. 1, and the confidence gained from an impressive debut, Wolf has the potential to make a serious push for the Vezina. It would be a rapid ascent, but few doubt his competitive drive and talent.
The Ageless Wonder: Sergei Bobrovsky
As a longshot, Florida Panthers veteran Sergei Bobrovsky continues to defy Father Time. A two-time Vezina winner himself, Bobrovsky remains a top-tier goaltender, exemplified by his 33-19-2 record, 2.44 GAA, and .905 save percentage for the reigning Stanley Cup champions. When he`s “locked in,” as the hockey parlance goes, few can match his intensity and acrobatic saves. If Hellebuyck were to falter even slightly, Bobrovsky, a cornerstone of a contending team, has the pedigree and recent success to step back into the spotlight.
The Norris Trophy: The Best on the Blue Line
The Norris Memorial Trophy honors the NHL`s top defenseman, a player who combines offensive flair with defensive responsibility, often serving as the quarterback of their team. Colorado Avalanche sensation Cale Makar has dominated this award recently, but the field of elite defensemen is deep and competitive, ensuring a captivating race.
The Avalanche Architect: Cale Makar
Cale Makar enters 2025-26 as a heavy favorite, and for good reason. He is arguably the most dynamic offensive defenseman in the league, consistently pushing the boundaries of what a blueliner can achieve. His career-best 92 points (30 goals, 62 assists) in 2024-25 underscore his offensive dominance. Makar doesn`t just rack up points; he controls the flow of the game with his skating, vision, and shot. Until another defenseman proves capable of consistently outshining his all-around brilliance, Makar remains the standard-bearer for the Norris.
The Blue Jacket`s Breakthrough: Zach Werenski
While Quinn Hughes often shares the spotlight with Makar, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski deserves significant “under the radar” consideration. After an injury-shortened 2022-23 season, Werenski has bounced back spectacularly, registering a career-high 82 points and 23 goals in 2024-25. He`s emerged as a genuine offensive force from the back end, accumulating 139 points over the past two seasons. If the Blue Jackets can improve their overall team performance, Werenski’s individual brilliance, coupled with his attractive odds, makes him a compelling dark horse candidate.
The Oilers` Power-Play Maestro: Evan Bouchard
For a longshot with tantalizing offensive upside, look no further than Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. The Norris Trophy often values offensive output heavily, and Bouchard certainly delivers. With 32 goals over the past two seasons and a fifth-place finish in Norris voting in 2023-24, his potential is evident. Playing alongside offensive juggernauts like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl means Bouchard is frequently involved in high-danger scoring chances. While his defensive game might need a step up to truly challenge for the award, his offensive production ensures he`ll be “in the mix,” as they say, benefiting immensely from an embarrassment of riches up front.
The 2025-26 NHL season is more than just another year of hockey; it`s a fresh canvas for new legends to emerge and established stars to reaffirm their place. From the dazzling stickwork of an MVP contender to the quiet confidence of a rookie phenom, the individual awards races will provide their own compelling drama, ensuring that every shift, every save, and every goal carries weight beyond the scoreboard. Prepare for a season where individual brilliance shines as brightly as team success.
Marcus Blakely 
Wesley Dunham