Award Winners
By Bob Grove

Art Ross Trophy

(leading scorer): Let’s see. . . more room, less interference, smaller goalie pads, Crosby, LeClair, Recchi, Palffy, Gonchar and the promise of an October full of power plays? If he sees 65-70 games, Mario Lemieux will win his seventh Ross Trophy. If not, look for Atlanta’s speedy Ilya Kovalchuk to benefit from the presence of linemate Marian Hossa and win his first. . . if he first decides to sign a contract.

Hart Trophy

(MVP): Now that he’s helped lift Calgary from a seven-year playoff drought into a position as one of the best teams in the league, Jarome Iginla can be counted on to keep the Flames on track. Powerful, poised and skilled, he’ll again challenge for the Ross and win his first Hart Trophy.

Selke Trophy

(best defensive forward): At 28, Michal Handzus is in his prime as a solid two-way player. The Flyers’ 6-5, 217-pound checking center, however, always seems more of a defensive force, and this season that will result in his first Selke.

Vezina Trophy

(best goaltender): He barely missed finishing the last season with the best save percentage in the league despite seeing 900 shots more than anyone else in the top five. Now that Florida’s Roberto Luongo has a more experienced team around him, he’ll have an easier workload. A big season might also bring the big money he missed out on this summer. Look for Luongo to earn his first Vezina.

Calder Trophy

(best rookie): It’s quite a field this season, with Atlanta goaltender Kari Lehtonen, Philadelphia centers Jeff Carter and Mike Richards and Washington left wing Alexander Ovechkin all candidates. But Sidney Crosby, absorbing passes and advice from Mario Lemieux, will follow Lemieux’s footsteps: No. 1 overall, then Calder Trophy.

Norris Trophy

(best defenseman): Zdeno Chara of Ottawa finished second in the voting last season, but the big guy isn’t going away. He has a package of mobility, skill, reach and toughness that seems impossible for someone who stands 6-9 and weighs 260 pounds. It will be his first Norris.

Adams Award

(best coach): Bob Hartley gets Atlanta to the playoffs.

Masterton Trophy

(dedication and perseverance): Toronto center Jason Allison returns from whiplash-related problems to be a regular contributor.

Richard Trophy

(leading goal-scorer): Columbus left wing Rick Nash just knows how to find the net.

Lady Byng Trophy

(gentlemanly player): Colorado right wing Milan Hejduk is nice. . . and deadly with the puck on his stick.