Dark-Horse Candidates for NHL Awards in 2014-15

As the NHL season approaches the New Year, it's a good time to examine the dark-horse candidates for this season's major NHL awards.

Though these awards often go to the league's top superstars, there are several players whose efforts this season could merit serious consideration. Several of them are enjoying career-best performances. There's also an NHL coach of an underdog club whose efforts could garner recognition.

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

Adams Trophy: Todd Richards, Columbus Blue Jackets

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Numbers to date: After 32 games, Todd Richards' coaching record stood at 14 wins, 15 losses and three overtime losses for 31 points.

Why he's a candidate: Injuries decimated the Columbus Blue Jackets this season. It took a toll on their performance, and by Dec. 1 they were last in the Eastern Conference. Richards, however, rallied his players. By keeping them focused and motivated, he has them back in the playoff chase. His efforts are as important to their recent resurgence as the return of several sidelined players.

How he can win: If this banged-up bunch can rally back and clinch a playoff berth, Richards could be a finalist for the Adams Trophy. Remaining in contention for the rest of the season could also merit recognition. 

Art Ross Trophy: Rick Nash, New York Rangers

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Numbers to date: In 30 games, Rick Nash had 20 goals and 13 assists for 33 points.

Why he's a candidate: Nash is on pace for 55 goals and 90 points, which would shatter his previous career bests of 41 goals and 79 points. As of Dec. 20, he was among the top-15 scorers. Having struggled during the Rangers' run to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final, Nash is playing like he's trying to atone for his poor postseason numbers.

How he can win: Injuries have hampered Nash in the past, and at 30 he's at an age where his best years could be behind him. If he can stay healthy and maintain his torrid offensive pace, he could have a good shot at winning his first NHL scoring title.

Calder Trophy: Michael Hutchinson, Winnipeg Jets

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Numbers to date: In 12 games, Michael Hutchinson had a record of 7-2-2, with a goals-against average of 1.73, a .940 save percentage and one shutout.

Why he's a candidate: Hutchinson's performance is a big reason the Winnipeg Jets are jockeying for a playoff berth in the Western Conference. His goals-against average and save percentage numbers rank among the league's best for goalies with 10 or more games played this season. He's outplaying Jets' starting goalie Ondrej Pavelec.

How he can win: Hutchinson faces tough competition in Nashville's Filip Forsberg and Calgary's Johnny Gaudreau for rookie of the year honors. If he takes over as the Jets' starter and carries them into the playoffs, he should merit serious consideration as a Calder Trophy finalist.

Hart Trophy: Roberto Luongo, Florida Panthers

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Numbers to date: In 25 games, Roberto Luongo had a record of 12 wins, seven losses and six overtime losses, with a 2.28 goals-against average, a .926 save percentage and one shutout.

Why he's a candidate: The Hart Trophy is awarded to the player who is judged most valuable to his team. No one will dispute Luongo's value to the Florida Panthers. Despite possessing a pop-gun offense, the Panthers are battling for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Much of the credit belongs to Luongo, who's giving his club a chance to win every game.

How he can win: Luongo faces the challenge of maintaining his current level of play and staying healthy, which isn't easy for a goalie who is heading into his late 30s. He must also backstop the Panthers into a playoff berth to garner serious consideration for the Hart.

Norris Trophy: Mark Giordano, Calgary Flames

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Numbers to date: In 35 games, Mark Giordano had nine goals, 23 assists and 32 points, with a plus/minus of plus-12.

Why he's a candidate: Since last season, the Flames captain has risen to prominence among the NHL's top defensemen. Giordano is stellar at both ends of the rink. As of Dec. 20, he led all blueliners in points, sat seventh in plus/minus and ranked among the top 20 in shifts per game (30.8), blocked shots (75) and average ice time (24:35). 

How he can win: Giordano faces a tough task outperforming Norris Trophy favorites like Chicago's Duncan Keith, Los Angeles' Drew Doughty and Nashville's Shea Weber. At his current level of performance, however, he could still garner favorable attention among the Norris voters.

Richard Trophy: Nick Foligno, Columbus Blue Jackets

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Numbers to date: In 31 games, Nick Foligno had 16 goals and 14 assists for 30 points.

Why he's a candidate: Foligno has never been considered a scoring star. His career best was 18 goals in 2013-14. He's on the verge of breaking that number this season and on pace for a possible 45-goal performance. His 16 goals places him among this season's top-10 goal scorers.

How he can win: Foligno faces stiff competition from proven snipers like Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos, Dallas' Tyler Seguin, St. Louis' emerging star Vladimir Tarasenko and New York Rangers' winger Rick Nash. He's never scored at this pace before and must ensure his production doesn't tail off over the rest of the season. 

Selke Trophy: David Backes, St. Louis Blues

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Numbers to date: In 32 games played, David Backes had eight goals and seven assists for 15 points.

Why he's a candidate: Though his offensive numbers are down this season and he has a plus/minus of minus-four, Backes is still playing a strong defensive game. As of Dec. 20, he's among the leading forwards in blocked shots (34) and hits (90). Backes also had 18 takeaways and a faceoff percentage of 55.6.

How he can win: Backes will face stiff competition from Boston's Patrice Bergeron (the reigning Selke winner), Chicago's Jonathan Toews and Los Angeles' Anze Kopitar. He'll have to improve his plus/minus numbers. He'll need a strong second-half performance to put him over the top. 

Vezina Trophy: Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings

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Numbers to date: In 26 games, Jimmy Howard had a record of 13 wins, five losses and seven overtime losses, with a 2.06 goals-against average, a .921 save percentage and two shutouts.

Why he's a candidate: Among this season's starting goalies with more than 20 games played, Howard sits third in goals-against average and among the league leaders in save percentage and wins. He's on pace to break his career highs in GAA (2.13) and save percentage (.926). Howard is a key reason the Red Wings are among the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

How he can win: Howard is up against serious competition in Nashville's Pekka Rinne, Pittsburgh's Marc-Andre Fleury, Montreal's Carey Price and Los Angeles' Jonathan Quick. Besides maintaining his current level of performance, he must improve his overtime record to have a serious shot at winning the Vezina.