NHL Awards Watch: January 2026 Edition

As January rolls in, the NHL Awards races heat up, bringing an exhilarating mix of unpredictability shaped by various player performances and unexpected variables. From rising stars to established veterans grappling with injuries, each race tells a unique story. Let’s dive into the current landscape of the NHL Awards watch as we assess the frontrunners, notable challengers, and what factors could impact the outcomes.

The MVP Race: Hart Trophy Contenders

Current Leader: Nathan MacKinnon

Leading the Hart Trophy race is Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche. Recognized as the heartbeat of the Avs, MacKinnon boasts an impressive record this season, having led the league in goals and points as January began. As the driving force behind Colorado’s stellar record— an astounding .841 points percentage—MacKinnon has proven invaluable.

His previous accolades include the Hart Trophy for the 2023-24 season and a strong fourth-place finish last season. While his first-place votes dipped from 82% to just over 50% this month, many still regard MacKinnon as the one to beat.

Close Competitor: Connor McDavid

Right on MacKinnon’s heels is Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. Despite a seasonal dip earlier, McDavid has made waves with a December performance dubbing it “historically absurd,” tallying 34 points in just 15 games. Currently ranked second in the MVP race, he’s a living reminder that extraordinary feats can shift opinions rapidly.

Supporters of McDavid argue that his ability to shift the Oilers from sixth to first in the Pacific Division underscores his remarkable value. Some MacKinnon voters admit he’s “right there,” acknowledging McDavid’s magical play.

Rising Star: Macklin Celebrini

Making headlines is Macklin Celebrini, the 19-year-old phenom from the San Jose Sharks, who is garnering attention with a remarkable debut season. With 63 points in 41 games, he’s positioning himself not just as a future star but a true MVP contender. Celebrini could etch his name in history by winning the award at such a young age, following in the footsteps of legends like Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid.

Norris Trophy: The Battle Among Defensemen

Current Leader: Cale Makar

Cale Makar of the Avalanche is dominating the Norris Trophy conversation, securing almost all first-place votes. His offensive and defensive prowess is unmatched, boasting 47 points and a plus-32 rating in 41 games. Makar’s multifaceted skill set keeps him not only at the top of the Norris race but as a prolific leader.

Challengers: Heiskanen and Seider

Miro Heiskanen of the Dallas Stars and Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings are close behind, earning first-place votes thanks to their exceptional performances. Heiskanen’s excellent playtime and production underscore his value to the Stars, while Seider’s significant impact has elevated his team’s standings and garnered attention in his own right.

Calder Trophy: Rookie Spotlight

Current Leader: Matthew Schaefer

Emerging as a frontrunner for the Calder Trophy is Matthew Schaefer from the New York Islanders. Leading all rookie defensemen with 28 points, he has earned over 85% of the first-place votes. His transformative influence on the Islanders, contributing positively to their playoff contention, makes him a standout in this competition.

Notable Challengers: Demidov and Wallstedt

Ivan Demidov of the Montreal Canadiens and Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild are noteworthy names included among the top candidates as well. Demidov’s offensive contributions, while impressive, are in a different category compared to Schaefer’s performance and role with the Islanders. Meanwhile, Wallstedt’s budding reputation as a goaltender continues to grow, albeit with questions surrounding his sample size.

Vezina Trophy: Top Goaltender Dynamics

Current Leader: Logan Thompson

Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals currently leads the Vezina Trophy race, showcasing a strong performance that keeps his team competitive. Despite a less outstanding previous season, his current stats reflect improvement, making him a favorite among voters.

Challenger: Scott Wedgewood

Scott Wedgewood from the Colorado Avalanche is another serious contender. With a stunning record and impressive save percentages, Wedgewood has captivated voters. His backstop ability has allowed Colorado to reflect its accuracy in play, prompting discussions around his candidacy for the trophy.

Selke Trophy: Best Defensive Forward

Current Leader: Nick Suzuki

After Aleksander Barkov’s absence due to injury, Nick Suzuki has ascended to the top of the Selke Trophy rankings. His all-around gameplay, characterized by solid offense and defense, has garnered him notable support, earning 30% of first-place votes early in the season.

Challengers: Cirelli and Kopitar

Anthony Cirelli and Anze Kopitar are close behind. Cirelli’s ability to log significant shorthanded minutes while maintaining low goals-against statistics helps legitimize his candidacy. Meanwhile, Kopitar’s faceoff skills and defensive metrics add to his long-standing reputation, making this race especially thrilling.

Additional Awards: Lady Byng and Jack Adams

Lady Byng Trophy: Gentlemanly Conduct

The Lady Byng trophy often results in heated debates about how to measure gentlemanly play. Zach Werenski is under high scrutiny this season due to his low penalty minutes and solid point total, presenting an interesting case study for this award.

Jack Adams Award: Coach of the Year

In the coaching arena, Jon Cooper leads the race for the Jack Adams Award, closely followed by Jared Bednar and Joel Quenneville. Each coach presents unique narratives, from overcoming injuries to leading teams with exceptional standings, setting up an intriguing showdown as the season progresses.

As we continue to follow this thrilling NHL season, it’s clear that these awards will highlight just how impactful players’ performances are. Each race carries its narrative, and the characters involved make it all the more engaging. With the season still in full swing, surprises and dramatic shifts are likely, making this time in the NHL both historic and captivating.