With the third-most points in the NHL this season, there is no doubt that Brent Burns is a Norris trophy candidate as one of the league’s top defensemen. However, while he should be a lock for the Norris the real conversation should probably be about his stock as a potential Hart trophy winner as the league’s MVP. Burns is definitely a darkhorse candidate to win that award and more as one of the top players in the NHL regardless of position. He isn’t the only sleeper pick with the potential to surprise either. Here is a look at one darkhorse candidate for each NHL award.
Hart Memorial Trophy: Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks
With 22 goals, 55 points and a plus-16 rating through 53 games there is no doubt that Burns should be in the conversation for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player. Burns has been dominant at both ends of the ice and the fact that he ranks in the top-five in scoring as a defensemen alone should merit consideration. Burns could also be a darkhorse to win the Art Ross trophy as the league’s leading scorer and when you consider the next best defensemen sits at just 44 points it’s clear he is in a class of his own. The Sharks are three points up on the Anaheim Ducks for the best record in the Pacific division and it will be interesting to see whether they can challenge for the Presidents trophy with Burns leading the way this season.
Vezina Trophy: Peter Budaj, Los Angeles Kings
There might not be a more surprising darkhorse on this list than Budaj, who has been incredible since the Kings called on him to serve as the No. 1 goaltender when Jonathan Quick suffered a groin injury in the first game of the season. Budaj is 24-14-3 with a 2.01 goals against average with a .922 save percentage and six shutouts. Budaj has gone from being an AHL goaltender to posting some of the best numbers in the NHL this season and he could end up having a strong case for the Vezina if he can keep it up the rest of the way.
James Norris Memorial Trophy: Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild
While Burns would be the obvious pick for the Norris here, Suter could be a decent darkhorse pick based on the underrated production he has delivered this season. The veteran defenseman has 30 points and a ridiculous plus-32 rating through 51 games while helping Minnesota compile the best record in the Western Conference. Burns is a lock for the Norris right now but Suter deserves mention as a darkhorse candidate.
Calder Memorial Trophy: Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
While there is a long list of forwards ranked ahead of Werenski in the rookie-scoring race he is undoubtedly the top defensemen in the category this season. The 19-year-old has 31 points and he has averaged just over 21 minutes per game with the Blue Jackets this season. Werenski has played a substantial role in Columbus’ turnaround this season and he definitely deserves a spot on this list of darkhorse awards candidates.
Frank J. Selke Award: Ryan Kesler, Anaheim Ducks
Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar are mentioned a lot in this category but Kesler definitely deserves his due as one of the best defensive forwards in the NHL this season. The veteran center has 18 goals and 42 points with a plus-12 rating this season while leading the Ducks to one of the best records in the Western Conference. Kesler is one of the best faceoff men in the NHL and his two-way ability is a big reason why Anaheim has been so good again this season.
Jack Adams Award: Mike Babcock, Toronto Maple Leafs
The Jack Adams Award for coach of the year usually goes to a coach that leads his team to one of the best records in the NHL but Babcock will deserves a long look for the trophy if he can lead his Maple Leafs to the playoffs this season. Toronto finished last in the NHL last season but the selection of Auston Matthews first overall, the addition of goaltender Frederik Andersen and Babcock’s work with a talented but inexperienced cast has transformed them in to a playoff contender this week. There is a lot of games left to play but if Babcock gets the Maple Leafs back to the postseason then he should be a darkhorse candidate for the Jack Adams.
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