NHL awards 2019: Picking the Hart, Norris, Vezina and other trophy winners

Now that the 2018-19 NHL season is fully behind us, and the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs are in full swing, it's time to venture into the ever-tricky world of awards voting. 

Is the Hart Trophy destined for the Sunshine State? Is Canucks rookie Elias Pettersson's name already etched on the Calder Trophy? And will we see Mark Giordano finally get his Norris due? These are just a few of the biggest questions that won't be answered until the awards ceremony.

June is still a long way away, but for now, Sporting News' hockey experts offered up their picks for this year's NHL annual awards.

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General Manager of the Year

Yes, we know Steve Yzerman technically was not a general manager at any point during the 2018-19 season (and thus won’t be on the official ballot for this year’s award). But let’s not allow for semantics to distract from an honor so obviously and rightfully his.

Put simply: Yzerman was responsible for all the heavy lifting building the 2018-19 Lightning, stepping down two days before training camp. The mastermind behind the greatest regular-season roster in the salary cap era should be a write-in on every ballot — playoff performance notwithstanding. — Brandon Schlager

Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year)

This year's Jack Adams race is so close that it has stolen some attention away from the most coveted individual player awards. There are so many bench bosses who are deserving of the honor this year, including Jon Cooper, Rick Tocchet, Barry Trotz, Bill Peters, Rod Brind'Amour and Craig Berube. You can definitely make a strong case for any of them, but it's hard to beat what Berube pulled off in St. Louis.

The Blues were dead in the water when Mike Yeo was fired Nov. 20 and Berube was named interim head coach. Under Berube, the Blues went 38-19-6 thanks in large part to the emergence of rookie goaltender Jordan Binnington and drastically improved even strength play. In other words, St. Louis transformed into a true Cup contender under Berube after a 7-9-3 start to the year and missing the playoffs in the 2017-18 season. — Mike Murphy

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (for dedication to hockey)

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the sport. Robin Lehner is the epitome of the award’s definition.

Making his debut at Islanders training camp in September, the goaltender revealed he’d been battling alcohol and substance issues throughout his career. The 27-year made the admission of struggling with his mental health that led to suicidal thoughts. While attending rehab during the off-season, Lehner received a diagnosis that he’s bipolar.

After being non-tendered by the Sabres in June, Lehner signed a one-year “show-me” deal with the Islanders. The netminder did just that. Overcoming his demons, Lehner was a key contributor to his club’s surprising resurgence. The Swede had his best season statistically, finishing third league-wide in goals-against average (2.13) and second in save percentage (.930). Sharing the crease with Thomas Greiss, the tandem earned a 2.33 GAA to win the William Jennings Trophy.

Frank J. Selke Trophy (Best defensive forward)

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Winners (most gentlemanly player)

Vezina Trophy (best goaltender)

Ben Bishop is a two-time finalist (2014, 2016) whose performance this season is Vezina-worthy. He led all starters in save percentage (.934), finished second in goals-against average (1.98) and third in shutouts (seven). Without his stellar performance this season, the Stars don't make the playoffs. — Lyle Richardson

James Norris Memorial Trophy (best defenseman)

It's been a long time coming for defenseman Mark Giordano, but finally, the Calgary captain will get his due. The 35-year-old recorded 74 points (17 goals, 57 assists) in 78 games during the regular season, finishing second to the Sharks' Brent Burns. However, he led the NHL with a plus-39, which is really where the best defenseman should be. Looking to become just the fourth 35-or-older player to win, Giordano maintained an even keel in the Flames locker room and on the blueline as a veteran presence. — Jackie Spiegel

Calder Memorial Trophy (best rookie)

Ted Lindsay Award (best player as voted by players)

Connor McDavid has won the Ted Lindsay the last two seasons and he could do it again this year. The 22-year-old finished with 41 goals and 116 points, trailing just Nikita Kucherov in points. With his leadership and skill, McDavid did what he could to keep Edmonton in the playoff race and has continued to shine above the team's struggles. He's also heavily respected by his fellow players, with Sidney Crosby even dubbing him the best player in the NHL earlier this season. — Sammi Silber

Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award

Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)

A simple case of the best player in the league being the clear-cut most valuable. McDavid continues to carry the Oilers on his back and even made a 50-goal scorer out of Leon Draisaitl. The lack of a supporting cast up front or a Norris-caliber defender on the back end has not hampered McDavid in the least, and he joined Alex Ovechkin as the only two players since Jeremy Roenick between 1992-1994 to register three straight 100-point seasons.

Some might say McDavid at this best still doesn’t improve the Oilers in the standings. But Edmonton’s issues in amassing quality personnel have more to do with the shortcomings of its front office rather than with McDavid himself. — Steve Kournianos