Post by Beans (BOS) on Mar 20, 2016 17:07:58 GMT -5
March 20, 2016 - TSN Staff
With the 2016-17 pre-season about to start, we're looking at potential award winners...but with a twist.
Instead of predicting the same old Crosbys, Ovechkins, etc., we've decided to nominate some of the unsung heroes and breakout candidates around the league who don't get the same recognition as their superstar colleagues. With that said, we've automatically eliminated anyone nominated for an award last season. For the rookie of the year nominations, we've eliminated all first round picks. After that, it's a judgment call on who is a superstar and who is an unsung hero or breakout candidate, but we hope you generally agree. Let us know if you don't.
The Wayne Gretzky Trophy (League MVP)
Awarded to the iNHL player judged to be most valuable to their team during regular season play, as voted on by the leagues GM's.
Current Holder: Alex Ovechkin
Nominees: Gustav Nyquist (DET), Nick Bjugstad (HAR), Sean Monahan (CGY).
Prediction: Bjugstad, with Monahan right behind. Bjugstad should once again get big minutes in Hartford, potentially alongside Corey Perry, and he's coming off a 31 goal season as a 23-year-old; the 6'6 pivot could push 40+ this year. Similarly, Monahan is coming off a season in which he fell just short of 30 goals and 70 points. He's on his way to becoming one of the best players in the game and this season could see him make that leap. Finally, Nyquist is just 26 and is coming off a 27-goal, 65-point season in iDetroit. One of the most underrated talents in the game, he'll get top-line minutes and should be even more productive this season.
The Gordie Howe Trophy (Forward MVP)
Awarded to the iNHL forward judged to be most valuable to their team during regular season play, as voted on by the leagues GM's.
Current Holder: Alexander Ovechkin
Nominees: Gustav Nyquist (DET), Nick Bjudstad (HAR), Sean Monahan (CGY).
Prediction: See above.
The Bobby Orr Trophy (Defencemen MVP)
Awarded to the iNHL defencemen judged to be most valuable to their team during regular season play, as voted on by the leagues GM's.
Current Holder: Drew Doughty
Nominees: Dmitry Kulikov (BOS), Michael Del Zotto (STL), Mark Streit (PHI)
Prediction: This award sees 3 established guys who are relatively underrated but we will take Kulikov here - because if iBoston can make a playoff run, he'll be a huge reason why. Never considered quite in the superstar range, Kulikov has quietly had a very strong career. Last season, as a 25-year-old, he posted impressive numbers after joining the iBruins and is slated to be the team's #1 defender. Like Kulikov, Del Zotto quietly had an impressive year in the iNHL's inaugural season. Now joining the defending champs, we expect he'll have another career year and following the departure of Jay Bouwmeester and the introduction of rookie d-man Jakob Chychrun, he'll have to be great for the iBlues to make another run at the Cup. Mark Streit was rejuvenated last season in iPhilly, finishing with just under 50 points and GR of 84. Like Kulikov, if the iFlyers make the playoffs this season, Streit will be a big reason why.
The Dominik Hasek "Dominator" Trophy (Goaltender MVP)
Awarded to the iNHL goaltender judged to be most valuable to their team during regular season play, as voted on by the leagues GM's.
Current Holder: Petr Mrazek
Nominees: Robin Lehner (NJD), Michael Neuvirth (SJS), Devan Dubnyk (MIN)
Prediction: We really like Lehner to win this year as he's poised for a breakout season and joining a club in the iDevils that will give him incredible support. Neuvirth proved he's a number one last season and will be relied upon again to guide the iSharks deep into the playoffs - by all accounts, he's the man in San Jose and he'll be counted upon again for big performances. After being tossed around the league earlier in his career, Devan Dubnyk quietly (as with all things Minnesota) put up 41 wins last season - an impressive mark for any goalie in any era.
The Teemu Selanne Trophy (Rookie MVP)
Awarded to the iNHL rookie player judged to be most valuable to their team during regular season play, as voted on by the leagues GM's.
Current Holder: Connor McDavid
Nominees: Jordan Subban (VAN), Jeremy Lauzon (MIN), Daniel Sprong (PIT).
Prediction: Subban. The youngest Subban in the league has good bloodlines and is going to get a great opportunity for big minutes in iVancouver. He also has a booming shot from the point. We actually think Lauzon would have the biggest impact right away but aren't sure he'll make a deep Minnesota blueline - if he does, he'll be a legitimate threat to take home this award after the 3rd round pick of the Bruins posted more than a point per game last season as an 18-year-old in the QMJHL. Many think Lauzon had equaled Jakub Zboril on the iBruins depth before both were dealt for help this offseason. The controversial Sprong could crack the deep PIT lineup, which could translate into playing time with Crosby, Malkin, or Kessel. Sprong has undisputed high-end skills and if he can stay focused and avoid causing distractions, he's a good bet to show why he was considered a potential first round pick before falling in the 2015 draft due to concerns about his attitude.
Sam Pollock Trophy (GM of the Year)
Awarded to the GM that has improved their team the most, as voted on by all the leagues GM's.
Current Holder: Jon (NJ)
Nominees: Chicago (Rob), Boston (Beans), Hartford (Steve), San Jose (Isaac).
Prediction: Isaac. In all fairness, Isaac probably deserved more credit last season when he somehow guided the injury ravaged iSharks to the final four. Jon's season was too good to ignore and he deservedly took home the Pollock trophy but we could see another Cinderella run from the iSharks and that would probably be enough for Isaac to be recognized as the league's top GM. The other three teams failed to qualify for last season's playoffs and a return for any of them would put their GM in contention for the award.