2025 NHL Awards Predictions

Here are my NHL award predictions for 2025. I will update this article throughout the year, as we see how guys are playing.

Gunner’s 2025 NHL Awards Predictions

Vezina Trophy

This is given to the best goaltender in the league.

Winner Prediction:

We got a glimpse during the 2024 playoffs that Jeremy Swayman could be one of the best goalies in the World. I think that he further cements that in 2024-25 with an amazing season. This will entirely depend on what the Boston Bruins do with Linus Ullmark. If he is gone, that likely means way more starts for Swayman.

On a related note, check out my predictions for the next Team USA Olympics roster.

Calder Memorial Trophy

This is given for the rookie of the year.

Winner Prediction: 

I think that Macklin Celebrini will be the favorite to win this but I am going with Will Smith as my pick. Both guys should have a great opportunity to shine in San Jose as the Sharks will be bad. Smith is a year older in his development, so I think that he has the edge over Celebrini for this award.

James Norris Memorial Trophy

This is given to the best defenseman in the league. 

Winner Prediction: 

Cale Makar is an incredible player and he is still really young. He is going to have a great chance to win this award every year, based on his talent.

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy

This is given to the player who demonstrates sportsmanship along with a high level of play.

Winner Prediction: 

Elias Pettersson was a finalist for this award in 2023/24, with only 12 PIMs. I am going to go with him as my pick this year. After a disappointing playoffs, I think Pettersson will bounce back and have a strong year.

Frank J. Selke Trophy

This is given to the best defensive forward. 

Winner Prediction: 

Aleksander Barkov will be the favorite again to win this award and for good reason as he is incredible at both ends of the ice. After two straight deep playoff runs though, I think the award will go to someone else.

Auston Matthews was a finalist for this award in 2023-24. This comes after he finished second in the entire NHL in takeaways. Matthews seems to keep getting better defensively, so I am going with him as my pick, especially with Craig Berube now behind the bench for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Speaking of Matthews, make sure to check out our Team USA predictions for the next Olympics.

Jack Adams Award

This is given to the best coach in the league. 

Winner Prediction: 

I think the New Jersey Devils are a team that are on the cusp of being solid if they can get some goaltending. Sheldon Keefe is a good regular season coach as demonstrated by his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs. If the Devils can get some consistent goaltending, I could see him winning this award.

Hart Memorial Trophy

This is given to the most valuable player to their team.

Winner Prediction: 

Leon Draisaitl won this award in 2019-20 and I think that he is going to win it again this year. This is a contract year for Leon, so I could see him having a monster season and cashing in with a big new contract.

Ted Lindsay Award

This is given to the league’s most outstanding player as voted on by NHL Players’ Association.

Winner Prediction: 

Same thing applies here for what I said about Leon winning the Hart.

Who are your predictions for the NHL award winners? Let us know in the comment section and Tweet us your picks!