—
Sleeper to win Norris Trophy: Matthew Schaefer, D, NYI
Schaefer, who had the most goals (23) and points (59) by an 18-year-old defenseman in NHL history, led the League’s defensemen in 20-plus mph speed bursts (269) last season; he had 46 more such bursts than the next-closest player at his position (Cale Makar, 223) and the most by any defenseman in a single season since the start of the League’s puck and player tracking era (2021-22). Schaefer also led defensemen and was tied for eighth in the NHL in 22-plus mph speed bursts (33). In terms of shots and goals by location, Schaefer ranked in the top 10 among defensemen in each of the six major categories: high-danger shots on goal (18; tied for sixth), high-danger goals (three; tied for ninth); mid-range shots on goal (81; third), mid-range goals (12; tied for third), long-range shots on goal (102; seventh) and long-range goals (eight; second). The New York Islanders remain a fringe playoff team and will rely heavily on Schaefer, who has a ceiling of reaching the rare 30-goal mark by a defenseman, and workhorse goalie Ilya Sorokin, who finished second in the Vezina Trophy voting last season.
Others: Evan Bouchard, EDM; Lane Hutson, MTL; Rasmus Dahlin, BUF
—
Sleeper to win Vezina Trophy: Jesper Wallstedt, G, MIN
Wallstedt ranked second in the NHL in save percentage (.916; minimum 25 games) last season, was tied for eighth in 5-on-5 save percentage (.921) and finished seventh in 5-on-5 close save percentage (.928; when game is tied in first or second period or within one goal in third period). During the 2026 postseason, the Minnesota Wild rookie was tied for first in 5-on-5 save percentage (.937) and tied for sixth in 5-on-5 close save percentage (.924). Wallstedt ranked fourth in the NHL in percentage of quality starts (69.7 percent; percentage of starts with a save percentage greater than .900) and was second in that category during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs (70.0 percent). The 23-year-old also ranked highly at his position in mid-range save percentage (.912; tied for sixth) during the regular season and ranked first among goalies in high-danger save percentage during the postseason (.865; minimum five games). Wallstedt could shoulder a heavy workload in his second full NHL season, especially if Filip Gustavsson misses time after having offseason hip surgery.
Others: Brandon Bussi, CAR; Igor Shesterkin, NYR; Jacob Markstrom, FLA
—
Sleeper to win Calder Trophy: Cole Hutson, D, WSH
With the offseason additions of Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch, return of Alex Ovechkin for another season and Hutson, Ryan Leonard and Ilya Protas ushering in the new guard of Capitals’ young talent, the stage is set for Hutson to contend for the Calder Trophy. Although Hutson will share time with elite goal-scoring defenseman and EDGE stats standout Jakob Chychrun, Washington’s supporting cast should allow Hutson to thrive offensively — especially on the power play. Hutson had 10 points (six on power play) in his first 14 NHL games last season and ranked in the 91st percentile among defensemen in max skating speed (22.94 mph). Although the front-runners for the Calder Trophy are forwards Gavin McKenna and Porter Martone, it’s worth noting each of the past two winners of this award have been defensemen: Schaefer last season and Cole’s brother Lane Hutson in 2024-25.
Others: Ivar Stenberg, F, SJS; Jacob Fowler, G, MTL; Anton Frondell, F, CHI
—
Sleeper to win “Rocket” Richard Trophy: Cutter Gauthier, F, ANA
Gauthier scored an NHL career-high 41 goals (tied for 11th in NHL) last season, and his elite advanced shot metrics were a huge reason for his breakout season. Gauthier ranked third among NHL forwards in hardest shot (99.90 mph) and was a standout at his position in average shot speed (63.93 mph; 97th percentile). The 22-year-old translated his shot speed to his perimeter shooting; he ranked third in the NHL in snap shot goals (23) last season, fourth in the League in mid-range shots on goal (117) and was tied for fourth in mid-range goals (18). He also was among the forward leaders in long-range offense, ranking in the 98th percentile in long-range shots on goal (37; tied for 10th at position) and 93rd percentile in long-range goals (two). With new contracts resolved for both Leo Carlsson and Gauthier, these forwards could play on the same line and have enormous offensive ceilings.
Others: Macklin Celebrini, F, SJS; Matt Boldy, F, MIN; Dylan Guenther, F, UTA
