McDavid, Bouchard lead early NHL polls

Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers holds the clear advantage in the race for the Hart Trophy, the league's most valuable player award. He has collected just over 88 percent of first-place votes in the recent Professional Hockey Writers Association poll. The center has recorded 47 points in his first 18 games of the 2026-27 season. That 2.61 points per game pace would place him sixth in NHL history for single-season averages. McDavid is aiming for his fourth Hart, a total previously reached only by Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, and Eddie Shore.

Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche and Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild are the other finalists for the MVP honor. MacKinnon, the 2024 winner, has 30 points through 18 games. Kaprizov has 31 points in 19 games and leads the group in goals. One voter suggested that Kaprizov could close the gap as the season continues. The three finalists all play in the Western Conference.

Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers is the runaway favorite for the Norris Trophy, which goes to the top defenseman. He has secured over 83 percent of first-place votes. Bouchard has posted 31 points in 18 games and maintains a plus-24 rating. His offensive production has eased concerns about his defensive play. Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks is the second choice with 26 points in 19 games. Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets is the only other defenseman to receive first-place support.

Jacob Fowler of the Montreal Canadiens leads the Calder Trophy voting for the top rookie. The 21-year-old goaltender has an 8-1-1 record and a .925 save percentage. He is trying to become the first goalie to win the award since Steve Mason in 2008-09. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard of the Detroit Red Wings and Roman Kantserov of the Chicago Blackhawks are his main challengers. Kantserov leads the Blackhawks in goals despite the team's offensive issues.

Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild tops the Vezina Trophy voting for the best goaltender. He has an 11-2-3 record and a 1.99 goals-against average. Pyotr Kochetkov of the Carolina Hurricanes and Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators are the other finalists. Ullmark has a 1.33 goals-against average, the best in the league, though he has played only eight games due to injury. Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins was the only other goalie to earn first-place votes.

Joel Eriksson Ek of the Minnesota Wild leads the Selke Trophy race for the best defensive forward. He has 17 points in 19 games and a plus-16 rating. Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Nick Suzuki of the Montreal Canadiens are the other finalists. Suzuki won the award last season. Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes also received multiple first-place votes.

Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils is the standout candidate for the Lady Byng Trophy, which recognizes gentlemanly play. He has 25 points in 18 games and has not taken a penalty this season. Marco Sturm of the Boston Bruins leads the Jack Adams Award voting for the best coach. The Bruins have been a surprise team this season. Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes and Travis Green of the Vancouver Canucks are the other finalists in the coaching race.