Vezina Trophy
Nominees: Frederik Andersen, Jack Campbell, Frederik Andersen Again
Despite some shaky play at times, Frederik Andersen is the goalie of the year (once again) for this team.
The lack of a competent backup again this season (until Jack Campbell arrived), meant that Andersen had to go above and beyond to keep this team in the playoff race.
Rest up now Fred, the boys are gonna need you whenever the puck drops again.
Calder Memorial Trophy
Nominees: Rasmus Sandin, Ilya Mikheyev, Pierre Engvall
Ilya Mikheyev is your Toronto Maple Leafs Rookie of the year. Despite only playing in 39 games, Mikheyev scored at an impressive rate and quickly established a role in the top-6 forward group.
He also put up an impressive effort defensively, routinely making plays to preserve possession, or falling back to support the defense when needed.
Frank J. Selke Trophy
Nominees: Auston Matthews, Zach Hyman, Ilya Mikheyev
Despite impressive performances from both of the other nominees, the Best Defensive Forward on this team is Zach Hyman.
He’s continually the first guy up to take a face-off on the penalty kill, despite not being a center, and the guy you want out there defending a one-goal lead with an empty net on the other end of the ice.
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy
Nominees: Jack Campbell, Ilya Mikheyev, Auston Matthews
We tried to give the award for Most Gentlemanly Player to Jack Campbell, but he spent his entire acceptance speech time giving stick taps to the other nominees and talking up how either one of them should have won it. What a guy.
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
Nominees: Zach Hyman, William Nylander, Justin Holl
This award is for dedication to the sport of hockey and perseverance in the face of adversity. While Justin Holl and Zach Hyman both have reasons to be commended, for surviving Mike Babcock and recovering from a devastating injury while having a career-high year, respectively, this award is going to William Nylander.
To call his season a comeback is an understatement, William Nylander went through a career evolution this season, developing into an elite net-front presence power forward who could seemingly score at will.
In 68 games, Nylander scored a career-high 31 goals and was on pace to shatter his career-high points totals. And he did it all amongst cries from a less-educated section of the fanbase who still, to this day, cry that he must be traded (not happening by the way).
Jack Adams Award
Nominees: Sheldon Keefe, Mike Babcock
Literally no debate necessary here, it’s Sheldon Keefe. Babcock’s time as head coach should have ended the moment Game 7 versus Boston ended last year.
King Clancy Memorial Trophy
This award is going to team captain, John Tavares. A consummate professional both on and off the ice, Tavares was the top (and correct) choice for the “C”.
Not only did Tavares lead the Toronto Maple Leafs, but he also led them in the community, spearheading many community outreach programs throughout the year.
This culminated in the founding of the John Tavares Foundation, a new charity that promises to prioritize wellness and inclusivity in hockey.
Tavares is also being awarded the Mark Messier Leadership Trophy, in recognition of his captainly qualities on the ice.