Fansided Bloggers Pick NHL Awards Winners

Frank J. Selke Memorial Trophy goes to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game.  While Ryan Kesler seems to have worn out his welcome this post season, he was last year’s recipient of the Selke.  Our bloggers seem to think he will be replaced by a number of well liked players around the league. Dan and Dave Church went with St. Louis Blues’ David Backes with Dan stating, “He’s not just good on paper, he’s harder to play against.”  Patrice Bergeron had 3 picks, with David Lasseter, Andrew, and Sally (well she was a bit unsure of her vote).  James went with his “upset pick” Ryan Callahan and Dave Church called him a runner up.  What surprised me was Pavel Datsyuk only getting one pick, from Jeff who said “Best defensive forward?  How about 97 takeaways in 70 games? Maybe the 67 points will do it for you?”

Vezina Trophy is awarded to the league’s top goaltender.  Tim Thomas won this, the Stanley Cup, the Prince of Wales Trophy, and and Conn Smythe last season with the Boston Bruins.  It seems this year he’s not even in the running for the Vezina.  An almost unanimous vote occurred in this category went to Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers.  One pick, by Jeff, went to Mike Smith of the Phoenix Coyotes, and one went to Jonathan Quick by David Lasseter.  Jeff on his pick of Smith: “38 wins, 8 shutouts and a .930 SV% on a Coyotes team that was supposed to be a bubble team that ended up winning the Pacific.”  Dan doesn’t have faith in Quick or Smith winning it because “Western voters will be split between Smith, Quick, and Rinne. Plus, the King is due.”

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.  Ian Laperriere of the Philadelphia Flyers currently the Masterton winner, our bloggers think it could go to any number of players this season.  James, Sally, and Andrew all have Montreal Canadiens’ Max Pacioretty.  Jeff defends his choice of Pittsburgh Penguins’ Matt Cooke by stating, “Not sold he’s completely changed his ways, but he’s cut his PIMS into a third and can actually play offence, scoring 19 goals and 38 points (both are his highest since w/ VAN in 02-03)”.  David Lasseter picked Tomas Fleischmann of the Florida Panthers.  Dave Church decided his pick would be Jaromir Jagr of the Philadelphia Flyers.  And Dan had 4 picks (with a strong stance that he wouldn’t be picking Cooke):  Brian Elliott, Mike Smith, Jordin Tootoo, and Tomas Fleischmann.

NHL General Manager of the Year Award, given to the top NHL general manager, was awarded to Mike Gillis of the Vancouver Canucks.  This season there seems to be a lack of faith in the Canucks, votes going towards a variety of other GMs instead.  GM of the Florida Panthers, Dave Tallon was picked by James, Sally, and David Lasseter.  Sally said it best, ” The collection of guys he picked gelled and it worked.”  Paul Holmgren, the GM of the Philadelphia Flyers was picked by Andrew.  Jeff thinks Bryan Murray of the Ottawa Senators will be GM of the year stating, “A hustle there, and a hustle there/Ottawa’s the place where they said, hey babe, take a walk on the wild side.”  Dan believe’s David Poile’s work with the Nashville Predators will net him GM of the year.  And Dave Church believes that Doug Armstrong of the St. Louis Blues has the best shot of the GM award.

Jack Adams Award is given to the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team’s success and is currently Dan Bylsma of the Pittsburgh Penguins.  That award won’t be going to him this season if the bloggers are the voice of the people.  An almost unanimous vote again decided the Adams would go to Ken Hitchcock of the St. Louis Blues with one pick going to Paul MacLean of the Ottawa Senators by Jeff stating “Team was supposed to contend for last place, instead are fighting the Rangers in round 1.”

Agree?  Disagree?  Leave comments to let us know what you think will happen this summer.