The New Jersey Devils are enjoying one of the best seasons in franchise history. It’s true. They won 51 games, which ties the franchise record set in 2009. They have 110 points with one game to play. If they win their last game against the Washington Capitals, they will break the franchise record for points too. On top of the team records, Jack Hughes just broke Patrik Elias’ franchise record for points in a single season.
It’s also coming up on award season. Once the regular season ends, journalists and other voters will place their ballots into the league for Hart, Norris, Calder, Jack Adams, Vezina, Ted Lindsay, Selke, and Lady Bing. There’s an award for just about everything, and the Devils have plenty of nominees.
So, which players and more will get votes this week?
Jack Hughes – Hart Trophy
Jack Hughes has been one of the best players in the history of the franchise. There’s a lot of that going on this season. Some might argue this is the best offensive season ever. Hughes has a real shot at 100 points with one game to go.
If Hughes scores 100 points, he will get some Hart Trophy love. Don’t get us wrong. He’s not going to win. Connor McDavid is going to win, likely unanimously. He has 152 points, tied for 15th most all time in a season. There’s no way he isn’t going to win MVP. However, Hughes will get some second, third, fourth, and fifth-place votes.
The Devils have one Hart Trophy winner in history. Taylor Hall holds that distinction after his superstar performance in 2017-18. Hughes is the best season since that performance, and he is going to get some votes as the star of the entire NHL.