2023 NHL Award Winners

 

NASHVILLE – The stars were out in Nashville on Monday night as the NHL took over the city for the 2023 NHL Awards.

Below is a recap of how the awards were doled out.

TED LINDSAY AWARD – CONNOR MCDAVID

The Ted Lindsay Award is given annually to the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted by fellow members of the NHL Players’ Association.

Winning his fourth Ted Lindsay Award, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid became the third player in the history of the NHL to win the award at least four times. “I’m so honored. I feel like this is the most prestigious award we give out tonight,” said McDavid in his acceptance speech. He then went on to thank the fans. “Lastly, to all of you fans out there. Even you Flames fans. You guys bring the energy to all the buildings across the league. It makes it special to play in front of you guys every night.”

LADY BYNG TROPHY – ANZE KOPITAR

The Lady Byng Trophy is given annually to the player voted best to combine sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

This was the Los Angeles Kings forward’s second Lady Byng award. Anze Kopitar first won the award in 2015-16. Kopitar was named on 162 of the 196 ballots cast, including 77 first-place selections, for 1,175 voting points.

Even though he wasn’t in attendance, Kopitar had a prerecorded acceptance where he congratulated the other nominees and had a quick, sweet message for his family. 

“Last, but not least, my family. My grandparents and, most importantly, my wife and two little kiddos, thank you for your support. Always giving me the positive energy and attitude day in and day out. I couldn’t have done it without you. I love you guys.”

MARK MESSIER NHL LEADERSHIP AWARD – STEVEN STAMKOS

The Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award is given “to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice during the regular season.” Suggestions for nominees are solicited from fans, clubs and NHL personnel, but the selection of the three finalists and the ultimate winner is made by Messier, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and one of the finest leaders in NHL history. 

Mark Messier picked Steven Stamkos to be the recipient of the NHL Leadership Award due to him helping “set a standard of excellence for the only team he’s ever known” — the Tampa Bay Lightning. As well as, all of the good work Stamkos has done throughout the community. Especially with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. 

“It’s an honor to get this award from you,”  Stamkos said in his acceptance speech.  “Obviously, one of the greatest leaders this sport has ever seen and a tremendous spokesperson for our game today.” Stamkos went on to acknowledge that being a leader doesn’t fall on one person. “I’ve been very fortunate to play with some amazing players over the course of my career,” Stamkos said. “So, thank you to all of my past and present teammates, the fellow leadership group we have in Tampa, I really appreciate your support.”

Expanding beyond the sport of hockey, Stamkos mentioned that being a leader extends to your home life too.

“I’ve got two young boys at home and you want to be a leader, you want to be a good role model to them. Although, they’re both under four. So, I’m really the leader of handing out time outs and handing out snacks when Mom says ‘No’.” 

EJ MCGUIRE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – CONNOR BEDARD
First awarded in 2015, the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence is presented annually by the League to a candidate who best exemplifies commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness, and athleticism.

Connor Bedard earned this honor after becoming the first player in Canadian Hockey League history to sweep the Player of the Year, Top Prospect, and Top Scorer awards in a single season. He also led the CHL in goals (71), points (143), and points-per-game (2.51).

The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to draft him with the number one pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. 

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY – MATTY BENIERS

The Calder Memorial Trophy is given annually to the best rookie in the NHL as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

After leading all NHL rookies in points (57) and plus-minus rating (plus-14), Matty Beniers became the first Seattle Kraken to earn the Calder Memorial Trophy. His ability to quickly respond to whatever situation head coach Dave Hakstol put him in allowed Beniers to flourish this season. 

In his acceptance speech, Beniers thanked his teammates for helping him win the Calder. “I love you guys. You were so great. You taught me so much this year and you’re a huge reason why I’m up here today,” said Beniers.

Beniers earned 160 first-place votes to give him 1,836 points. Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner came in at second with 1,074 points. 

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY – PATRICE BERGERON

The Frank J. Selke Trophy is given annually to the forward voted best to excel in the defensive aspects of the game as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

The captain of the Boston Bruins made history by winning the Selke for the sixth time. This was his 12th straight season being nominated for the award. 

Patrice Bergeron received almost triple the amount of points (1,914) than the second place finisher Nico Hischier (804). 

Bergeron couldn’t be in attendance for the ceremony due to the fact he and his wife are welcoming a new addition to their family in the near future. However, he made sure to pre-record an acceptance speech where he thanked the team, his coaches, and his family. 

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BILL MASTERTON MEMORIAL TROPHY – KRIS LETANG

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is given annually to the NHL player voted to best exemplify the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey as voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Kris Letang is the first member of the Pittsburgh Penguins to win the Masterton since Mario Lemieux in 1993. 

On November 28, Letang suffered his second stroke and returned to play a mere 12 days later. He went on to notch 41 points over the course of 64 games. 

“I always dreamt of being up here to receive a trophy but that was not the one,” Letang chuckled while accepting his award. “They always mean something bad happened.”

He then went on to dedicate the trophy to his family. “I’m the most proud because today I’m a father and my kids will see this in the house and they are gonna know that their father never gave up in anything. So, this is our family trophy.”

A $2,500 grant from the PHWA is awarded annually to the Bill Masterton Scholarship Fund in the name of the Masterton Trophy winner. 

VEZINA TROPHY – Linus Ullmark

The Vezina Trophy is given annually to the goalie voted the best at his position by NHL general managers.

With this win, Linus Ullmark became the first Bruins goalie to win the Vezina Trophy since Tuuka Rask in 2013-14. 

At the end of the 2022-23 season,Ullmark led the NHL in wins (tie-40), goals-against average (1.89) and save percentage (.938). Placing first in these categories made him the eighth netminder in NHL history to lead the league in all three categories. He’s the first to do this since Carey Price in 2014-15. 

Twenty-two General Managers across the league gave Ullmark a first-place vote. 

Ullmark ended his acceptance speech in true family guy fashion by telling his kids that he loves them.

KING CLANCY MEMORIAL TROPHY – MIKAEL BACKLUND

The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is given annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community. Each NHL team nominated a player for the King Clancy Trophy, with the three finalists and winner chosen by a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. 

Mikael Backlund of the Calgary Flames and his wife have raised more than $400,000 for the ALS Society of Alberta and have welcomed almost 100 families affected by ALS to home games. He also supports The Kids Cancer Care and Special Olympics Calgary. On top of that, he and his wife partnered with Parachutes for Pets, a program that allows children in foster care to keep their pets while they are transitioning into care.

“We as professional athletes lead a privileged life and we have a great opportunity to give back,” said Backlund in his acceptance speech. “A little gesture from us can be a big thing in someone else’s world.” Backlund then went on to thank his partner in crime good – his wife. “I’m really excited to be here in Nashville. Especially with my beautiful wife Frida. This is our award. We share this together. She has done great work alongside with me.”

Backlund will receive a $25,000 donation from the National Hockey League Foundation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. 

WILLIE O’REE COMMUNITY HERO AWARD – JASON MCCRIMMON
The Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award is given to an individual who – through the sport of hockey – has positively impacted their community, culture or society in the United States. 

President and Founder of the Detroit Ice Dreams Youth Hockey Association, Jason McCrimmon, is the 2023 recipient of the Willie O’Ree. “This is big for the city of Detroit,” said McCrimmon, “but to be mentioned in the same sentence as Willie O’Ree, as well as, the NHL is just huge for me.”

The Detroit Ice Dream is a nonprofit youth hockey organization that minimizes the barriers that prevent underrepresented communities from access to ice hockey. In addition to on-ice programming, McCrimmon gives back through turkey giveaways, care packages for the homeless, adopt a family for Christmas, and provides backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need. 

 

Congrats to our very own Jason McCrimmon, founder of @DetroitIce & an ambassador for our Learn, Play, Score Program! 🙌 https://t.co/fiv6GmS2a1

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 27, 2023

 

McCrimmon is also the Associate Head Coach, GM, and Owner of the USPHL’s Motor City Gamblers Junior A Team. On top of that, McCrimmon is part of the NHLCA BIPOC Coaches Program as the Detroit Red Wings Youth Ambassador. 

If you’re wondering where McCrimmon’s penchant for giving comes from, he’ll tell you he gets it from his mom.

 “My amazing mother, Barbara Nelson. Ms Nelson is the reason why I understand the value of giving back, why I love heart, and why I understand the value of character. Beyond blessed to have her as a mother.” 

JACK ADAMS AWARD – JIM MONTGOMERY

Given annually to the coach in the NHL who has “contributed the most to his team’s success” as voted on by the NHL Broadcasters’ Association.

After leading the Boston Bruins on a remarkable 65-12-3 run earning the President’s Trophy, Jim Montgomery became the fifth Head Coach of the Bruins to win the Jack Adams Award. 

Montgomery considers the Jack Adams to be a team award. “The historical season we have doesn’t happen by chance,” said Montgomery during his acceptance speech. “There is a commitment to the culture that’s led by our incredible leadership core.” 

Towards the end of his acceptance speech, Montgomery talked about giving himself the space and grace to grow through his struggles with alcoholism. 

“Three and a half years ago the Dallas Stars terminated my contract because of my struggle with alcohol and I had to change my actions and behaviors. That’s when my new team, the most important team in my life, is really what leads to the success that I have daily right now. For those who struggle out there , you can change. You can effect change within yourself. It doesn’t happen alone. You need a team. You need a community.” 

Montgomery was a near-unanimous choice for the Jack Adams, earning a first-place vote on 79 of the 82 ballots. 

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY – ERIK KARLSSON

The James Norris Memorial Trophy is given annually to the best defenseman in the NHL as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

This is Erik Karlsson’s third time winning the Norris Trophy. However, it’s his first winning it as a member of the San Jose Sharks. He is also the fourth defenseman to win the Norris with multiple teams. Previous winners with that signifier are Chris Chelios (CHI and MTL), Paul Coffey (DET and EDM), and Doug Harvey (MTL and NYR). 

After notching 101 points in the 2022-23 season, Karlsson became the 6th defenseman in NHL history to reach 100 points in one season. 

Karlsson kicked off his acceptance speech by thanking the other nominees, Adam Fox and Cale Makar, for making him feel more youthful. “I think ever since you came into the league you’ve been pushing me to stay young. So, I appreciate it,” said Karlsson. “You’re both very inspirational players.”

Out of 196 ballots, Karlsson was the top choice on 123 of them giving him 1,585 points. Fox of the New York Rangers ended up with 1125 points, 460 less than Karlsson, to secure second place. 

 

HART TROPHY – CONNOR MCDAVID

The Hart Trophy is given annually to the NHL player voted most valuable to his team by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

This was the Edmonton Oilers Captain’s third time winning the Hart Trophy making McDavid the ninth player to win the award at least three time. He joins Oilers’ royalty Wayne Gretzky on that list. 

In a heartwarming and sweet moment, McDavid was presented the Hart Trophy by the family of Ben Stelter, an Oilers superfan who passed away of cancer at the age of six last year. 

An extra special Hart Trophy presentation. 💜

The Stelter family flew into Nashville to surprise Connor McDavid (@cmcdavid97) in honor of Ben. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/yxbMuFdPAe

— NHL (@NHL) June 27, 2023

“Wow. That was an incredible surprise,” said McDavid. “It means so much to me to be standing up here with the Stelters thinking about our buddy Ben.”

McDavid received first-place votes on 195 of the 196 ballots – a near-unanimous choice.