Despite numerous New Jersey Devils receiving nominations and votes for the 2025 NHL Awards, no players went on to become finalists. Jack Hughes was their nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for the second year in a row. Jesper Bratt received a nomination for the Bill Masterton Award, while Nico Hischier received votes for both the Selke Trophy and Hart Trophy.
Since the Devils are expected to make waves in the Metropolitan Division this season, it’s safe to say the team will be on everyone’s radar. With that being said, here are five predictions about which players could take home an award next June.
Jacob Markstrom: Vezina Trophy
Before his MCL sprain, there’s no denying that Jacob Markstrom was playing at a Vezina Trophy level. Prior to his injury in late January, he posted a 21-9-5 record, with a 2.20 goals-against average (GAA). He helped turn the Devils around last season, playing an impressive amount of games with a level of consistency that would have easily made him a Vezina candidate. In fact, at the halfway point of last season, Markstrom was considered a favorite for the award, behind Connor Hellebuyck and Filip Gustavsson.
Markstrom had an impressive playoff performance, despite going 1-4-0. He ranked in the 99th percentile with a .911 high-danger save percentage (SV%). During the regular season, he earned four shutouts, the most he’s had since the 2021-22 season. Funny enough, that was also the same season that he finished second in voting for the Vezina, the only nomination of his career so far. While he will have tough competition amongst top-tier goaltenders, Markstrom could very easily become a dark horse Vezina candidate this season.
Luke Hughes: King Clancy Memorial Trophy
The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is awarded to the player who exemplifies leadership both on and off the ice, along with making humanitarian contributions within the community. Entering his third full NHL season, Luke Hughes has already shown immense potential as a young defenseman and can become the face of the Devils’ blue line, should he sign a long-term contract.
For the last two seasons, he has crossed the 40-point threshold, becoming the first defenseman since Brian Rafalski to record back-to-back 30-plus assist campaigns. During his sophomore season in particular, Hughes took on additional responsibility. With Dougie Hamilton out of the…
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