The 2020 NHL Awards had been scheduled for June 18 in Las Vegas but were postponed earlier this year due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. Instead, the NHL announced the winners for all the categories yesterday, as well as releasing the number of votes the nominees gained in different categories.
King Clancy Memorial Trophy
Awarded to the player who shows “leadership on and off the ice and who has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.”
The trophy winner is selected by a committee of senior NHL executives that includes commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly.
Finalists: Matt Dumba (Minnesota Wild), Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers), P.K. Subban (New Jersey Devils)
Winner: Matt Dumba
A co-founder of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, Dumba has been vocal and involved in racial and social action initiatives. At the beginning of the postseason, he gave an impassioned speech at center ice prior to the Oilers and Blackhawks playing in a qualifying game. He’s also spearheaded the Rebuild Minnesota initiative to assist Minneapolis businesses impacted by riots and protests in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. He’s also donated to more than 60 families during the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia’s wildfire relief and has played roles in ACES (Athletes Committed to Educating Students) and Hockey Fights Cancer.
“I don’t want any of this to be swept under the rug,” Dumba said on a call with reporters following the announcement. “This for me is not just a singular moment. It’s all part of this journey that I’m committed to and I think I’m going to commit to this my whole life, so this is just the start.”
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
Awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Finalists: Stephen Johns (Dallas Stars), Oskar Lindblom (Philadelphia Flyers), Bobby Ryan (Ottawa Senators)
Winner: Bobby Ryan
Ryan left the Senators in November 2019 and entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to combat with alcohol abuse. He eventually returned to the game in February 2020.
“Someone asked me (if I could sum up what this award means to me) at every step … I still don’t know,” said Ryan on a Zoom call with reporters following the announcement. “It’s something that I cherish. It’s something that I really have to thank people for recognizing that I came out the other side and ahead of a battle that’s been plaguing me for a while and it’s going to continue. I gotta continue to battle it every day and continue to work on it every day myself.”
Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award
Named after the first black player to play in the NHL, this award goes to an individual who has made a positive impact on their community, culture or society to make people better through hockey. Now in its third year, a committee that includes O’Ree selects the finalists with the public choosing the winner.
Finalists: Dampy Brar (Apna Hockey), Alexandria Briggs-Blake (Tucker Road Ducks Hockey), John Haferman (Columbus Ice Hockey Club)
Winner: Dampy Brar
Brar, a former pro hockey player, co-founded Apna Hockey with Lali Toor. Apna Hockey is an initiative that provides a network and support for South Asian hockey players. He was also involved with the first-ever women’s hockey team in Leh Ladakh, India, providing mentorship and support.
Jack Adams Award
Awarded to the NHL’s best head coach by the NHL’s Broadcasters’ Association.
Finalists: Bruce Cassidy (Boston Bruins), John Tortorella (Columbus Blue Jackets), Alain Vigneault (Philadelphia Flyers)
Winner: Bruce Cassidy
Cassidy led the Bruins to 44-14-12 and the 2019-20 Presidents’ Trophy, leading the NHL with 100 points and (a .714 points percentage) at the time of the COVID-19 pause.
Voting (1st-2nd-3rd)
1. Bruce Cassidy, BOS 288 (37-29-16)
2. Alain Vigneault, PHI 252 (32-23-23)
3. John Tortorella, CBJ 198 (28-12-22)
4. Craig Berube, STL 126 (12-18-12)
5. Jared Bednar, COL 96 (6-18-12)
6. Mike Sullivan, PIT 77 (4-15-12)
7. Dave Tippett, EDM 62 (4-8-18)
8. Paul Maurice, WPG 30 (3-3-6)
9. Jon Cooper, TBL 20 (3-1-2)
10. Travis Green, VAN 18 (2-2-2)
11. Rod Brind’Amour, CAR 5 (1-0-0)
t-12. Rick Bowness, DAL 5 (0-1-2)
t-12. David Quinn, NYR 5 (0-1-2)
14. Barry Trotz, NYI 3 (0-1-0)
t-15. Peter DeBoer, VGK 1 (0-0-1)
t-15. Joel Quenneville, FLA 1 (0-0-1)
t-15. Geoff Ward, CGY 1 (0-0-1)
Frank J. Selke Trophy
Voted on by the PHWA, this trophy is awarded to the NHL’s best defensive forward.
Finalists: Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins), Sean Couturier (Philadelphia Flyers), Ryan O’Reilly (St. Louis Blues)
Winner: Sean Couturier
Couturier ended the 2019-20 regular season with 22 goals and 37 assists in 69 games, as well as an NHL-best 59.6% efficiency on faceoffs. The Flyers forward has previously finished in 2nd place for this award in 2017-18.
“It’s a great honor,” Couturier said. ”It wouldn’t be possible without my teammates, coaching staff, management and the whole organization believing in me. I’d like to congratulate Patrice Bergeron and Ryan O’Reilly as well, two great players who I respect a lot and also had great years.”
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy
Awarded to the player who combines sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct with a high level of play, as voted on by the PHWA.
Finalists: Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), Ryan O’Reilly (St. Louis Blues)
Winner: Nathan MacKinnon
Mackinnon led the Avalanche in scoring with 93 points (35 goals & 58 assists) in 69 games, picking up only 12 penalty minutes.
“I think it’s just a line you need to hover on,” he said when asked about how he plays an intense, aggressive game yet doesn’t get called for a lot of penalties. “I respect my opponents, I don’t want to be dirty. I also want to be trusted by the coaching staff that I won’t take penalties. I guess, with my skating I try to use my legs to stick check and things like that and not take unnecessary minors. But, [I] never thought I’d win this award; usually, I get a few more minors than this. But, obviously, very honored. Some of the best players ever have won this award.”
Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award
Awarded to the NHL’s best GM since the 2009-10 season by a panel of general managers, NHL executives and members of the media.
Finalists: Julien BriseBois (Tampa Bay Lightning), Lou Lamoriello (New York Islanders), Jim Nill (Dallas Stars)
Winner: Lou Lamoriello
Lamoriello’s Islanders advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 27 years.
Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award
Awarded to the player “who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice during the regular season.” A Hall of Famer and six-time Stanley Cup champion, Messier makes the final decision on who wins this award.
Winner: Mark Giordano (Calgary Flames)
Giordano has been a pillar of the Calgary community contributing his time and money towards various causes both before and during the current COVID crisis.
“This is special,” Giordano said on a Zoom call with reporters after the announcement. “I’m a little bit older, so I grew up watching Mark Messier as a player and remembering him especially from his days as a Ranger winning the Stanley Cup with New York but also in Edmonton as well. To have my name on that award means a lot.”
“My wife, Lauren, and I have always been a couple who wants to give back and we feel like this community, this city has given so much to us and we wouldn’t be where we are today in our lives if it wasn’t for the city of Calgary and the people of Calgary. So we really wanted to get involved in the community and give back,” he added.
Calder Memorial Trophy
Awarded to the NHL’s best rookie. The PHWA votes on this award.
Finalists: Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks), Dominik Kubalik (Chicago Blackhawks), Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
Winner: Cale Makar
Hart Memorial Trophy
Awarded to the player deemed most valuable to their team, as voted on by the PHWA.
Finalists: Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers)
Winner: Leon Draisaitl
James Norris Memorial Trophy
Voted on by the PHWA, this trophy goes to the NHL’s top defenseman.
Finalists: John Carlson (Washington Capitals), Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning), Roman Josi (Nashville Predators)
Winner: Roman Josi
Ted Lindsay Award
This award (formerly the Lester B. Pearson Award) is given to the player deemed most valuable to their team, as voted on by members of the NHL Players’ Association.
Finalists: Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers)
Winner: Leon Draisaitl
“That means a lot,” Draisaitl said when asked what it means to win an award voted on by fellow players. “Obviously, that’s always very important to you personally how the players you play against and players that you battle against every night, how they see you. Getting the appreciation or recognition from their side means a lot to me.”
Vezina Trophy
Finalists: Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets), Tuukka Rask (Boston Bruins), Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Winner: Connor Hellebuyck
2019-20 NHL First All-Star Team
G: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
D: John Carlson, Washington Capitals
D: Roman Josi, Nashville Predators
C: Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
RW: David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins
LW: Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers
2019-20 NHL Second All-Star Team
G: Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins
D: Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning
D: Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis Blues
C: Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
RW: Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning
LW: Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins
2019-20 NHL All-Rookie Team
G: Elvis Merzlikins, Columbus Blue Jackets
D: Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks
D: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
F: Dominik Kubalik, Chicago Blackhawks
F: Victor Olofsson, Buffalo Sabres
F: Nick Suzuki, Montreal Canadiens