NHL.com’s team of journalists delves deep into the intricate world of advanced metrics to uncover the surprising NHL Awards contenders making waves at the midway point of the season. From Spencer Carbery leading the charge for the Jack Adams Award to Zach Werenski’s dominance on the blue line, these players and coaches are making their mark with their stellar performances.
Starting off with the Jack Adams Award, Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery has emerged as the front-runner for the prestigious honor. Under his guidance, the Capitals have surged to near the top of the NHL standings, boasting a stellar points percentage of .707. This remarkable turnaround comes after Washington was a mere fringe playoff team last season, ultimately being swept in the first round by the New York Rangers.
With key offseason acquisitions like Jakob Chychrun, Logan Thompson, and Pierre-Luc Dubois bolstering the team, the Capitals have found success on the ice. Led by the elite goal-scoring prowess of Alex Ovechkin, when healthy, and a strong supporting cast, Carbery has his team excelling in advanced stats like high-danger goals and midrange goals. Thompson’s league-leading midrange save percentage is a testament to Carbery’s ability to maximize the talent on his roster, making him a standout candidate for the Jack Adams Award.
Moving on to the Norris Trophy race for top defenseman, Columbus Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Leading the league in total skating distance at all strengths and even strength, Werenski’s impressive stats speak volumes about his contributions on the ice. The defenseman also leads the pack in midrange goals and high-danger shots on goal, showcasing his offensive prowess.
Despite facing stiff competition, Werenski is holding his own in points per game and has been crucial to his team’s offensive success. With the Blue Jackets unexpectedly in playoff contention, Werenski’s standout performances have positioned him as a strong contender for the Norris Trophy.
In the race for the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year, several standout players are making their presence felt. From exciting young talent like Hutson and Hellebuyck to Blackwood, these rookies are turning heads with their impressive performances. As the season progresses, these players will undoubtedly continue to make a name for themselves and vie for the prestigious rookie of the year honor.
As the NHL season unfolds, the competition for awards like the Jack Adams, Norris, and Calder Trophies heats up. With standout performances from players and coaches alike, the race for recognition is sure to be a thrilling one to watch. Stay tuned as these contenders continue to make their mark on the ice with their stellar play and impressive advanced metrics.
