NHL Awards Early Front-Runners: Marco Sturm, Evan Bouchard, and Jacob Fowler Emerge
An early look at the NHL award races highlights surprising front-runners, including Boston coach Marco Sturm, Edmonton defenseman Evan Bouchard, and Montreal rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler.
🏒NHLPhoto: The Athletic
Key points
- Marco Sturm leads early Jack Adams Award discussions for coaching the Bruins.
- Evan Bouchard powers his Norris Trophy resume with a massive offensive start for Edmonton.
- Jacob Fowler establishes himself as the Calder Trophy front-runner in Montreal.
As the NHL season reaches the end of its first quarter, early discussions surrounding major league honors have highlighted several compelling candidates outside of the usual MVP favorites. While Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid dominates early Hart Trophy projections, several lesser-predictable award races are drawing attention across the league.
In the Jack Adams Award race for coach of the year, Boston's Marco Sturm has emerged as an early favorite. Bruins writer Fluto Shinzawa noted that the team has taken another step forward under Sturm's system, showcasing improved hybrid zone defense, a more aggressive forecheck, and overall growth into a complete squad despite low preseason expectations for a top-six finish.
Meanwhile, Edmonton blueliner Evan Bouchard has elevated his Norris Trophy candidacy with 33 points in 20 games. Oilers writer Janson Duench pointed out that while Bouchard may not fit the mold of a smooth-skating, end-to-end dynamo and occasionally makes costly turnovers, his exceptional point production and impact on the transition game keep him firmly in the conversation.
Perhaps the most surprising front-runner is Montreal Canadiens 21-year-old goaltender Jacob Fowler, who leads the Calder Trophy race as rookie of the year. Canadiens writer Arpon Basu praised Fowler's temperament and winning pedigree, noting stellar metrics that include ranking second in the league in goals saved above expected.
- Coach of the Year: Marco Sturm leads early Boston turnaround discussions.
- Norris Trophy: Evan Bouchard is on a historic offensive pace for a defenseman.
- Calder Trophy: Jacob Fowler emerges as the top rookie goaltender front-runner.
What to watch next: Monitor whether Fowler can maintain his historic rookie pace in net and if Bouchard can sustain his elite offensive production for Edmonton.
Source The Athletic — nytimes.com/athletic/7779275/2026/11/13/nhl-awards-favorites-odds-c… ↗
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