Dark-Horse Candidates for NHL Awards in 2016-17

The NHL season is about 30 games old, and we are seeing award candidates emerge across the major categories. No one can be surprised that Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins is posting an amazing resume or even that Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers is delivering at a high level.

There is probably more than a little surprise over the comeback season of Jakub Voracek of the Philadelphia Flyers, and if he wins the Art Ross Trophy as leading scorer, it will be considered a major upset.

At this point in the season, it is possible to pair unlikely names with major awards on merit. There are still many games to go, but fans in NHL cities have plenty to cheer about from underdog players.

Here's a look at this season's dark-horse candidates for each major NHL individual regular-season award.

Jack Adams Award: Dave Hakstol, Philadelphia Flyers

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Numbers to date: Through 32 games, the Philadelphia Flyers have 19 wins and 41 points. This impressive start includes a 10-game winning streak.

Why he's a candidate: Hakstol has been able to get strong performances from rookies for the second year in a row. This time, Travis Konecny and Ivan Provorov have emerged, giving the team increased depth. He has also been able to create an effective power play, which currently leads the league in goals. A bounce-back season from Voracek and strong performances from veterans Wayne Simmonds and Claude Giroux have also been keys.

How he can win: The Flyers play in the league's strongest division, and there is every chance a very good team from the Metropolitan Division will miss the playoffs. If Hakstol can keep his emerging Philadelphia club in the race with veteran teams like the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers, he will have earned major consideration for the Jack Adams Award.

Frank J. Selke Trophy: Ryan O'Reilly, C, Buffalo Sabres

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Numbers to date: Through 22 games, Ryan O'Reilly of the Buffalo Sabres has seven goals and 17 points.

Why he's a candidate: O'Reilly is a quality two-way forward, capable offensively and extremely difficult to defeat when he is on the defensive. Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com ranks him inside the NHL's Top 10 forwards in even-strength possession relative to team. This basically means Buffalo is a far better team with O'Reilly on the ice than off the ice.

How he can win: The Selke Award is given to the league's best defensive forward. O'Reilly receives votes for the award annually, but this season is more prominent because of the important minutes he is playing for a young and emerging team. It is extremely unlikely he will win the award unless Buffalo makes the playoffs, but he is a bona fide candidate and may receive more consideration if the Sabres make a strong run.

Calder Trophy: Mitch Marner, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

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Numbers to date: Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs is having a fine rookie season. In 29 games, he has eight goals and 21 points in 2016-17.

Why he's a candidate: Marner is getting a real chance to show his considerable talents during his freshman NHL season. He is playing 17 minutes a game, getting some power-play time and playing with veterans Tyler Bozak and James Van Riemsdyk.

How he can win: This is going to be a very close race based on early showings by several quality rookies. Marner's Leafs teammate, Auston Matthews, might be the favorite, along with the Winnipeg Jets' Patrik Laine and the Columbus Blue Jets' Zach Werenski. Marner is under the radar right now, but he could easily impact the race based on his abilities.

Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy: David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins

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Numbers to date: David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins has 19 goals and 26 points in 27 games so far this season.

Why he's a candidate: Pastrnak is having a breakout season and is among the top goal scorers in the league. Although unproven at this level, he is at an age when snipers make themselves known. Pastrnak has a terrific shot and is an elusive and creative player.

How he can win: At this point, Pastrnak is the Bruins' top option, both at even strength and on the power play. He has 15 even-strength goals, a fantastic total for this time of year. His four power-play goals are lower than the other players near the top of the goals list this year, so improving that area might be a key in getting Pastrnak his first major award.

Art Ross Trophy: Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, St. Louis Blues

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Numbers to date: Vladimir Tarasenko is on fire for the St. Louis Blues this season. In 31 games, he has 15 goals and 37 points.

Why he's a candidate: Tarasenko has always been a fine goal scorer—37 and 40 goals in his last two full seasons—but traditionally posts fewer assists than goals. However, this season Tarasenko is using the entire range of his skills and delivering as a playmaker.

How he can win: St. Louis is going to give him plenty of opportunity to impact the game, and Tarasenko is using his entire arsenal this year. We could see a monster campaign for the young Russian winger and his emergence as one of the finest offensive players in the game.

Vezina Trophy: Corey Crawford, G, Chicago Blackhawks

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Numbers to date: Corey Crawford of the Chicago Blackhawks is having another successful season. In 20 games so far, he has a 2.27 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage.

Why he's a candidate: Crawford is having an impact season, reflected in his extraordinary even-strength save percentage. His .954 save percentage in the discipline places Crawford No. 2 among regulars.

How he can win: Crawford has a big disadvantage in winning this award. Goalies who play in front of famous or impact teams are often overlooked in the Vezina Trophy voting. If he is to win, Crawford will need to post a strong win-loss record and a dominant save percentage. He appears capable of both this year.

James Norris Memorial Trophy: Brent Burns, D, San Jose Sharks

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Numbers to date: Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks is scoring up a storm this season. After 30 games, he has 13 goals and 28 points from the blue line.

Why he's a candidate: Burns is so dominant offensively—he's tied for No. 1 among defensemen in points—it is easy to overlook the defender's other responsibilities. Burns is big, tough, can battle and is a strong power-play option. According to Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com, he is still posting very good numbers in even-strength possession—although he is seldom mentioned as a top-flight defender. 

How he can win: Burns is posting outstanding offensive numbers, playing as well as he ever has defensively, and the Sharks are winning. If he can continue to perform at current levels, and San Jose has another successful year, there is a chance Burns wins the Norris Trophy.

Hart Memorial Trophy: Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers

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Numbers to date: Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers leads the NHL in points. Through 32 games this year, he has 12 goals and 39 points.

Why he's a candidate: McDavid is the biggest phenom to hit the NHL since Sidney Crosby, and so far this season he is delivering on all that promise. The Oilers are not a strong team, but the young center is pulling them into the playoffs and leading the league in points.

How he can win: McDavid would have to thread the needle, with his team doing the same. If he can win the scoring championship, and lead Edmonton to the playoffs, there is a chance McDavid will win the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2016-17. The award would not be completely unexpected, but winning the honor this early in his career would be considered a surprise.