The NHL Midseason Awards: 2023 Edition
The NHL midseason awards are a time for the league’s brightest young stars to shine, and no one is more deserving than 2023. The league’s future looks bright, as two of the most prominent young players in the world won their first Hart trophies. But it’s not all fun and games, as there were some tough decisions to make. Here is your look at the winners of the NHL midseason awards for 2023.
Calder Memorial Trophy (to the rookie of the year) A year after the league’s first blue-chip star, the Calder is once again awarded to the league’s most promising rookie. In a league where young stars are as valuable as gold, this award recognizes the excellence and potential of a young player. The winner is selected by a vote of NHL general managers.  There were some serious contenders this season, but in the end, it was 2023’s nominee, Ilya Kovalchuk, who came out on top. The “Cinderella story” continued for Kovalchuk, as he led a New Jersey Devils team who were long-forgotten to the playoffs. His season may have come to an end in the conference finals, but his Calder trophy reign is not.
Ted Lindsay Award (to the most outstanding player as voted by fellow players) This award has been given to a player in each season since the NHL’s inaugural season in 1917. The award is named after Ted Lindsay, the league’s first superstar who led the Red Wings to back-to-back championships in the late 1910s. The winner is selected by a vote of the National Hockey League’s All-Stars.
The most outstanding player in the NHL often isn’t the player who has the best offensive stats; instead, it’s the player who leads his team to another championship. This season, that player was Ilya Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk had a rough start to his NHL career, but he emerged as a force in New Jersey. Kovalchuk brought a fresh style of hockey to the league, and he led his team to a Stanley Cup victory.
William M. Jennings Trophy (for comeback player of the year) The Jennings is awarded to the player who best shows perseverance. This year’s recipient is Zack Smith of the Ottawa Senators. Smith missed the majority of the season with a knee injury, but he did not give up on his dream of playing in the NHL. With the support of his family and friends, Smith fought his way back onto the ice. He played with determination and enthusiasm, and he inspired his team to play at a higher level than they were used to.
This is the first Jennings trophy awarded to a player who battled back from an injury. This award is given to the player who shows the most determination in persevering through difficult times. The recipient of the award is Zack Smith, who missed the majority of the season with a knee injury.
Smith did not give up on his dream of playing in the NHL. With the support of his family and friends, Smith fought his way back onto the ice. He played with determination and enthusiasm, and he inspired his team to play at a higher level than they were used to.
General Manager of the Year Given each year to a general manager who has had a positive impact on their team’s success. Voting was done by the NHL Network’s panel of experts. This award is given to the general manager who made the best moves during the season. The recipient is determined by a vote of the NHL Network’s panel of experts.
This award is given to the general manager who had the biggest impact on the hockey operations side. The recipient is determined by a vote of the NHL Network’s panel of experts. This award is given to the general manager who did the best job at building their team. The recipient is determined by a vote of the NHL Network’s panel of experts.
Breakout Player of the Year There are always a few players whose performances rise above the rest, and they are recognized with this award. The recipient is determined by a vote of the NHL Network’s panel of experts. This award is given to the player who made the biggest leap in performance this season. The recipient is determined by a vote of the NHL Network’s panel of experts. This award is given to the player who has the best combination of talent, work ethic, and how they were able to carry themselves on and off the ice. The recipient is determined by a vote of the NHL Network’s panel of experts.  Coach of the Year After being named the NHL’s best coach by the panel of experts, the winner is awarded this award. Coaches are judged on their ability to win games and their impact on their team. Voting was conducted among the NHL Network’s panel of experts. This award is given to the coach who had the biggest impact on the team’s success. Voting was conducted among the NHL Network’s panel of experts. This award is given to the coach who displayed the most heart and passion during the season. Voting was conducted among the NHL Network’s panel of experts.
NHL Network Broadcaster’s Playoff MVP This award is given to the NHL Network’s lead analyst and playoff expert during the playoff broadcasts. This year, the winner is selected by a vote of the fans. The NHL Network’s playoff coverage was marked by expert analysis, memorable moments, and a genuine passion for the game. The top-notch commentary in the booth helped to make the playoffs the best ever on the heels of the first season without the NHL.
While the Devils made for a great story, the NHL Network’s playoff broadcasts were top-notch all season long. This award is given to the NHL Network’s lead analyst and playoff expert during the playoff broadcasts. This year, the winner is selected by a vote of the fans. The NHL Network’s playoff coverage was marked by expert analysis, memorable moments, and a genuine passion for the game.  |