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The NHL is known for its parity, which makes it very challenging to win the Stanley Cup and individual awards.
The Cup, in particular, is widely regarded as one of the most difficult trophies to win in sports.
But 14 different teams made the Cup final since 2014-15, with eight different squads winning it all.
The last two Stanley Cup champions – the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers – were first-time winners. The St. Louis Blues were also first-time champions in 2019, as were the Washington Capitals in 2018.
The Capitals are among the favorites to win the Cup again seven years later, but the Winnipeg Jets are also a front-runner to win it all for the first time in franchise history. The Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars and the Oilers are also in contention to win the Stanley Cup for the first time in a long time. Carolina won in 2006, the Stars triumphed in 1999, and the Oilers last won in 1990.
This season could also see a handful of elite NHL players winning a specific individual award for the first time.
Oilers captain Connor McDavid has had a firm grasp of the Art Ross Trophy throughout his career, winning it five times already.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has taken the reins from Alex Ovechkin as the perennial favorite for the Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy, winning it three times.
Signs point toward new winners being crowned for those awards and more.
Art Ross And Rocket Richard Trophies
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon took home the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s MVP in 2023-24, but he has not yet won the Art Ross Trophy. As it stands, MacKinnon has a four-point lead on Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl in the scoring race and shows no signs of giving up the mantle. He has 87 points in 57 games, which has him on pace for 125 points.
Despite trailing MacKinnon in points, Draisaitl leads the goal-scoring race. His 40 goals lead second-place William Nylander by seven, and as the Oilers try to secure first place in the Pacific Division, they’ll need Draisaitl to continue his scoring ways.
Hart Trophy
MacKinnon and Draisaitl haven’t separated themselves in the Hart Trophy race, but they aren’t the only names in consideration. Although MacKinnon and Draisaitl have won it before, other contenders could be the Hart Trohy recipient…