The Winnipeg Jets came up short in all the major awards last season. There was just someone a bit more deserving in each category, and that’s okay. They were contenders. And they should be again.
The Winnipeg Jets knew they’d miss out on awards. I know they didn’t care, either. The only hardware they were after was that Stanley Cup. They missed out on that, too, sadly.
But another chance arises this year, for all the NHL teams. And that means we’ll have another year of NHL awards. And I really thought Connor Hellebuyck might have won the Vezina, but hey, it’s okay. Pekka Rinne deserved it, too.
The Vegas Golden Knights came out and swept the Coaching/Front office awards, Alex Ovechkin outscored the world and the Hart goes where the Hart wants.
Let’s take a look at what the Jets could do this time around.
The Calder Trophy
The Calder Trophy is the NHL’s rookie of the year award, for those who didn’t know. Matthew Barzal of the Isles took it home last year.
This year? Who knows. Rasmus Ristolainen was the first overall pick, a defenseman with Buffalo now, but a defenseman might have to do something special to win the Calder.
On the Jets? Well, if Sami Niku keeps his pace of one goal per NHL game, he might win. That would be cool. In realistic terms?
Well, I suppose Kristian Vesalainen could win. Jack Roslovic would be the obvious choice, but he’s exceeded his rookie limitations and is ineligible. Guys like Mason Appleton or CJ Suess are fringe contenders at best.
I’d say the Jets will probably be sitting this one out again.
The Vezina and the Jack Adams / GM of the Year
I lump these together because there’s only one chance for the Winnipeg Jets. The Jack Adams award is for the best coach, and hey, the Jets only have one. Paul Maurice was a good bet to win last season.
Only, an expansion team won a division and made it to the SCF. Usually, the coach of the year award is just given to the team who most exceeds expectations. Bruce Cassidy and Jared Bednar finished ahead of Maurice, too.
But I would imagine, unless this team is close to breaking records, they don’t get much support here. Another fourth or fifth place finish is expected.
As for the Vezina, well, the Jets have a decent contender: Laurent Brossoit. No, obviously it’s Connor Hellebuyck. He was the runner-up last season. That seems like he’d be right in line to win it, no?
I don’t see it. It could happen, but I don’t see it. Most Vezina nominees don’t repeat very often. It happens. Maybe he does win. Who knows.
Keep in mind, Kevin Cheveldayoff was the runner-up to GM of the year. George McPhee can’t win it twice in a row, right?
Rocket Richard Trophy
This one is actually the first one I wouldn’t bat an eye at the Jets taking. Patrik Laine had 44 goals last season and finished second. That’s after 36 in his rookie campaign. And despite the playoffs, he’s getting better.
If Ovie doesn’t win again, I bet you Laine does. Look for 50 bombs this year, I’m calling it. The Winnipeg Jets have a fringe contender, too.
After 14 goals in 17 playoff games, Mark Scheifele has put himself on the map as one of the league’s best scorers. He can clearly put the puck in the net. Will he do it ~45 times? I doubt it, but he’s clearly capable.
The Selke
This is an award for the NHL’s best defensive forward, or the thing they keep giving to Anze Kopitar (not saying it’s undeserved). I seriously doubt anyone on the Jets wins this award.
Blake Wheeler wouldn’t be undeserving, and Mark Scheifele is probably their best bet to garner votes. He’s the only Jet to receive one last year. If he has a ridiculous season, which is possible, he might get some support.
His insane postseason run will get him more respect around the league, too.
The Norris Trophy
Well, the Winnipeg Jets will basically need Dustin Byfuglien to slay out in order to have any chance. Either that, or Sami Niku really does score 82 this year. I don’t see either happening. Still love ya, Buff. The award for best defenseman is likely someone else’s. Can’t win em all.
The Hart Trophy
This is the big one. The MVP award. Connor Hellebuyck and Blake Wheeler got some down-ballot votes, and I expect Wheeler to get some more this year.
The Jets offense could improve, and he could break 100 points. That will help his cause. Mark Scheifele, if healthy, should have an actual shot at winning this award. It’s unlikely, but still.
Did you expect Taylor Hall (or anyone on the Devils) to win the Hart last year? I didn’t. You didn’t. Don’t lie.
Patrik Laine is another option if he blows it up and scores 50+, which should put him around ~80 points.
Do the Jets win any of these awards? I dunno. The Rocket Richard trophy is right in Laine’s grasp. Otherwise, I’m not so sure. Maybe the GM of the Year?
It’s going to be a fun season, folks, and it starts very soon.