NHL Awards Watch: Who's leading for Hart, Norris, Calder? - ESPN

Welcome to the final NHL Awards Watch of the 2024-25 season, which offers one last snapshot of the races just days before ballots are due to arrive in voters' inboxes.

As you'll see, the battles for MVP, rookie of the year and top defenseman have shifted heavily toward a few favorites after months of volatility.

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. We've made sure it's a cross section from the entire league, trying to gain as many perspectives as possible.

Keep in mind that the PHWA votes for the Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke and Lady Byng finalists, broadcasters vote for the Jack Adams, and general managers handle the Vezina.

All stats are from Hockey-Reference.com, Natural Stat Trick and Evolving Hockey.

Jump ahead:
Ross | Richard | Hart
Norris | Selke | Vezina
Calder | Byng | Adams

Click here for the updated point-scoring standings.

Click here for the updated goal-scoring standings.

Leader: Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
Finalists: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets; Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche

The MVP was Connor Hellebuyck's award to lose. Then it was Nathan MacKinnon's award to lose, as he snatched the lead from the Jets goaltender in the March edition of Awards Watch. But Draisaitl was always stalking that lead, putting together a season that checked several boxes for being the most valuable player to his team. As this thrilling race nears the finish line, it's the Edmonton star that had the strongest last kick.

«I don't think it's even particularly close at this point,» a Draisaitl voter argued.

Draisaitl earned 40% of the first-place votes from our panelists, taking over the Hart Trophy