Some of the NHL’s best will be recognized Thursday night at the NHL Awards.
And a pair of Vancouver Canucks are in the running.
Canucks captain Quinn Hughes is a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league’s top defenceman, while goalie Thatcher Demko is a finalists for the Vezina Trophy for the NHL’s top goaltender.
Demko is a first-time finalist. He was leading the NHL in wins when he sustained a knee injury March 9 that sidelined him for 14 games. He finished 35-14-2 with a 2.45 GAA, .918 save percentage and five shutouts in 51 games.
Hughes, meanwhile, led all NHL defenseman with a career-high 92 points (17 goals, 75 assists) in 82 games. He is a first-time finalist and would be the first Canuck to win it.
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is among three finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy for league MVP.
Toronto Maple Leafs sniper Auston Matthews is up for the Ted Lindsay Award, given to the most outstanding player as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA.
Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard, the top pick in the 2023 draft, is up for the Calder Memorial Trophy for the league’s top rookie.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony Thursday, June 24 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
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