Chicago Blackhawks: Corey Crawford & 5 Hawks Who Could Collect 2011-12 Hardware

The Chicago Blackhawks' fast start to the 2011-12 Stanley Cup campaign has been a team effort, but the individual play of a few of the Hawks has been eye-catching.

The NHL hosts its annual NHL Awards show that honors a handful of players, as well as a coach, for their individual performances.  The James Norris Memorial Trophy, Frank J. Selke Trophy, Jack Adams Award, Calder Memorial Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy and Vezina Trophy are just some of the awards handed out at the end of each NHL season.

Jonathan Toews, who was a finalist for the Selke Trophy, was the Blackhawk representing the team at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas, but he went home empty handed after Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler won the award.

At the rate the Hawks are playing this year, it wouldn't be a surprise if a few Blackhawks were named as finalists and have the opportunity to accept their award on stage after the season.

Honorable Mention: Joel Quenneville

Depending on who you ask, Joel Quenneville should be considered for the Jack Adams Award every year given to the NHL coach most valuable to his team.

Every year, Coach Q makes the most out of the players he has available to him.  This year is no different.

Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman signed a handful of new skaters prior to this season, and Q has effectively added these guys into their perspective lines and, for the most part, has seen these guys succeed early on in the 2011-12 season.

Coach Q knows how to adjust his lines and put the proper skaters together in order to maximize the team's potential.  He has even shown the ability to maximize this potential when he loses a key player to injury, and the team can still succeed.

Honorable Mention: The Entire Chicago Blackhawks Team

Just like the Hawks did in 2010, this Chicago Blackhawks team has the potential to hoist the Stanley Cup at the end of the season and be crowned champions.

Stan Bowman made key offseason signings that filled the physical needs that were lacking last season.  If everything works out, and the Hawks remain healthy for the most part of this season, Chicago has a great chance to return to Stanley Cup glory and hoist the best trophy in sports.

Dave Bolland

The Selke Trophy is awarded to the NHL's best defensive forward, and Dave Bolland has gone under the radar in past seasons when it came to Selke nominations.

Earlier this month, Bolland's steal against the Phoenix Coyotes that led to a shorthanded goal best exemplifies the Selke Trophy.

When Dave Bolland is on the ice for the Chicago Blackhawks it almost seems as if he's the team's x-factor.  Much of Bolland's highlight reel consists of breakaway goals or him setting up a goal with a beautiful pass or move to avoid a defender.  But, you need to see what happens prior to Bolland collecting the puck on his stick.

Also noteworthy about Bolland and the Selke came from last year's postseason series against the Vancouver Canucks, when Bolland assisted on Bryan Bickell's goal after sending Vancouver's Dan Hamhuis on a roller-coaster ride.

Jonathan Toews

Jonathan Toews has the talent to be included in Hart Trophy discussions every year, which is awarded to the most valuable player in the NHL.  Chicago's longer offseason prior to the 2011-12 season allowed Toews the necessary rest and preparation time to perform at a MVP level for the Hawks this season.

Toews, also known as Captain Serious, always finds a way to get the puck on his stick.  He's always firing shots on net, though many don't seem to tickle the twine. However, Toews always finds a way to put the biscuit in the basket when it matters most.

Toews tends to go on stretches during the season that seem as if no one can stop the man.  It's performances like that that will include the captain in MVP discussion this season.

Patrick Kane

Patrick Kane looks much faster and stronger than he has in the past, and he's shown early on in the 2011-12 season that he has the potential to be a point-per-night type of player.  If Kane continues to play at the level he has thus far, he could very well be included in the Hart Trophy discussions for the league's MVP.

Kane put himself on the map for his performance for USA in the 2010 Winter Olympics, and now he looks like he's attempting to regain that fame by focusing on the potential of his game, which he certainly has not maxed yet.

Corey Crawford

Many people—including myself—believe Corey Crawford got shafted in the Calder Trophy discussions for the league's top rookie last season.  After last year's postseason performance and his performance thus far in 2011, Crawford has definitely gotten the attention of the NHL world, and he seems determined to be considered for the Vezina Trophy for the NHL's top net-minder.

Barring any setback, Crawford has the potential to not only be nominated for the Vezina, but he can definitely win the award depending on how well the Blackhawks' skaters play in front of Crawford for the entire 2011-12 season.

Duncan Keith

Duncan Keith won the 2010 Norris Trophy for the NHL's best blueliner, but his 2011 campaign didn't go nearly as well after the shorter off—season resulting from winning the Stanley Cup.

This year is a different story for Keith.  His Stanley Cup hangover is gone, and his legs are much more refreshed.  Stan Bowman added much—needed depth to the Hawks' defense, so Keith will not have the increased work load or pressure he faced last season.

The 2010 Norris Trophy winner has plenty of potential to reclaim that title at the end of the 2011—12 season.