Toronto Maple Leafs: Handing Out the NHL Awards at Christmas

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JUNE 21: Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs speaks after being awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy for the most valuable player during the 2022 NHL Awards at Armature Works on June 21, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JUNE 21: Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs speaks after being awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy for the most valuable player during the 2022 NHL Awards at Armature Works on June 21, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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Toronto Maple Leafs players have been familliar with awards over the past few seasons, thanks to the emergence of Auston Matthews.

When Matthews won the Hart Trophy last year, that was the first time a Toronto Maple Leafs player had won that award since 1955, which is an amazing accomplishment. Obviously, the only award this market cares about winning is a Stanley Cup, but it’s still a nice honour.

Not only did Matthews win the Hart Trophy last year, but he’s also won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy twice and a Calder Trophy for the league’s best rookie.

Although it’s tough to give out awards this early into the season, we already have a strong indication of where this campaign is heading. There are many names that we all recognize, while many others that are new and surprising.

One of the biggest surprises of the year are the Dallas Stars and Jason Robertson’s season, so it’ll be interesting to see where he nets on in the Hart Trophy race this year.

The same can be said about the Vezina Trophy as there are a few individuals who could be picking up their first award or even nominee this season.

Regardless, let’s walk through the Hart Trophy, Norris Trophy, Vezina Trophy, Jack Adams Award and see who’s currently in the lead at Christmas.