NHL awards 2026: Updated list of finalists for the Hart, Norris, Vezina, Calder & more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With the NHL playoffs in full swing, so too come the award nominees, handed out to the league's best overall and most influential off the ice.
Finalists are being released for 10 major awards beginning Tuesday, April 28 and stretching through May 11. The winners are typically announced after the season concludes.
With several shake-ups at the top this year's standings and some notable injuries, these award races are sure to be interesting as the playoffs continue.
Here are the finalists as each category is officially announced.
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The finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award will be announced on Tuesday, April 28. The award goes to the league's most outstanding player of the season, voted on by the NHLPA.
The Lightning's Nikita Kucherov took home the award in 2025.
The finalists for the Vezina Trophy will be announced on Wednesday, April 29. The award goes to the league's top goaltender of the season.
The Jets' Connor Hellebuyck won the Vezina in 2025.
The finalists for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy will be announced on Thursday, April 30. This award is given for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.
Last year, Anze Kopitar of the Kings won the honor ahead of his last NHL season.
The finalists for the Jack Adams Award will be announced on Friday, May 1. The award honors the coach who has "contributed the most to his team’s success."
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery took home the award last season.
The finalists for the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy will be announced on Monday, May 4. The award goes to the player who most embodied perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication.
Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan won the award in 2025.
The finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy will be announced on Tuesday, May 5. This award goes to the best rookie of the 2025-26 NHL season.
Last year's winner was Lane Hutson, the Montreal Canadiens' defenseman.
The finalists for the Selke Trophy will be announced on Wednesday, May 6. The award is given to the "forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game."
Panthers' captain Aleksander Barkov won his second Selke in a row in 2025.