NHL Awards Early Front-Runners: Marco Sturm, Evan Bouchard, and Jacob Fowler Emerge
An early look at the NHL award races highlights surprising front-runners, including Boston coach Marco Sturm, Edmonton defenseman Evan Bouchard, and Montreal rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler.
🏒NHLPhoto: The Athletic
Key points
- Marco Sturm leads early Jack Adams Award discussions for coaching the Bruins.
- Evan Bouchard powers his Norris Trophy resume with a massive offensive start for Edmonton.
- Jacob Fowler establishes himself as the Calder Trophy front-runner in Montreal.
As the NHL season reaches the end of its first quarter, early discussions surrounding major league honors have highlighted several compelling candidates outside of the usual MVP favorites. While Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid dominates early Hart Trophy projections, several lesser-predictable award races are drawing attention across the league.
In the Jack Adams Award race for coach of the year, Boston's Marco Sturm has emerged as an early favorite. Bruins writer Fluto Shinzawa noted that the team has taken another step forward under Sturm's system, showcasing improved hybrid zone defense, a more aggressive forecheck, and overall growth into a complete squad despite low preseason expectations for a top-six finish.
Meanwhile, Edmonton blueliner Evan Bouchard has elevated his Norris Trophy candidacy with 33 points in 20 games. Oilers writer Janson Duench pointed out that while Bouchard may not fit the mold of a smooth-skating, end-to-end dynamo and occasionally makes costly turnovers, his exceptional point production and impact on the transition game keep him firmly in the conversation.
Perhaps the most surprising front-runner is Montreal Canadiens 21-year-old goaltender Jacob Fowler, who leads the Calder Trophy race as rookie of the year. Canadiens writer Arpon Basu praised Fowler's temperament and winning pedigree, noting stellar metrics that include ranking second in the league in goals saved above expected.
- Coach of the Year: Marco Sturm leads early Boston turnaround discussions.
- Norris Trophy: Evan Bouchard is on a historic offensive pace for a defenseman.
- Calder Trophy: Jacob Fowler emerges as the top rookie goaltender front-runner.
What to watch next: Monitor whether Fowler can maintain his historic rookie pace in net and if Bouchard can sustain his elite offensive production for Edmonton.
Source The Athletic — nytimes.com/athletic/7779275/2026/11/13/nhl-awards-favorites-odds-c… ↗
Read next
🏈NFLBrowns Evaluate Defensive Linemen Jay Tufele, Vincent Anthony, and Kyonte Hamilton
The Cleveland Browns evaluated three defensive linemen, including veteran Jay Tufele, during Friday tryouts according to the official NFL transactions wire.
🏀NBA & WNBAYaxel Lendeborg Prepares to Lead Warriors Offense as Stephen Curry Sidelined
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is stepping into a primary scoring role with Stephen Curry sidelined for multiple weeks due to an oblique abdominal tear. Len…
🏈NFLRams Promote WR Brennan Presley to Active Roster, Add Tyler Scott to Practice Squad
The Los Angeles Rams promoted wide receiver Brennan Presley from the practice squad to the active roster and signed wide receiver Tyler Scott to the practice squad.
🏀NBA & WNBAKirk Cousins Named Vikings Starter for Sunday Clash Against Packers
Head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed that newly acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins will start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
⚾MLBRed Sox Sign Jake Bauers to Four-Year, $58 Million Deal
The Boston Red Sox have bolstered their lineup by signing free-agent infielder Jake Bauers to a four-year, $58 million contract.
⚾MLBBoston Red Sox Sign First Baseman Jake Bauers to Four-Year Deal, Creating Roster Crunch
The Boston Red Sox have signed first baseman Jake Bauers to a four-year contract, adding immediate power but creating a significant roster logjam that will likely trigger…