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NHL Awards Trivia (Hart, Norris, Vezina, etc.)

NHL awards recognize excellence across every position and playing style. From the Hart Trophy for MVP to the Lady Byng for sportsmanship, these awards define careers and shape Hall of Fame debates. Understanding who won what (and why) deepens your appreciation for the different ways players dominate the game. This trivia covers major awards, legendary winners, and the specific criteria that separate one trophy from another.

January 24, 2026

Major Individual Awards

Q: Which trophy is awarded to the NHL's most valuable player in the regular season? A: The Hart Memorial Trophy.

Q: Which trophy goes to the league's top goaltender each season? A: The Vezina Trophy.

Q: Which trophy is awarded to the NHL's best defenseman? A: The James Norris Memorial Trophy.

Q: What is the name of the trophy given to the league's top rookie? A: The Calder Memorial Trophy.

Q: Which award is given to the league's top goal scorer each season? A: The Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy.

Q: Which trophy is awarded to the player who leads the league in points? A: The Art Ross Trophy.

Q: Which award is given to the NHL's best defensive forward? A: The Frank J. Selke Trophy.

Q: Which award recognizes the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey? A: The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Q: Which award is voted on by the players for "most outstanding player"? A: The Ted Lindsay Award (formerly Lester B. Pearson Award).

Q: Which trophy goes to the goaltender(s) of the team with the fewest goals against in the regular season? A: The William M. Jennings Trophy.

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Coaching & Team Awards

Q: Which award honors the coach judged to have contributed most to his team's success? A: The Jack Adams Award.

Q: Which trophy is awarded to the team with the best regular-season record? A: The Presidents' Trophy.

Q: Which trophy is awarded to the league's top general manager? A: The NHL General Manager of the Year Award.

Q: Which trophy is awarded to the NHL's most valuable player in the playoffs? A: The Conn Smythe Trophy.

Sportsmanship & Character Awards

Q: Which trophy is given to the "most gentlemanly" player, combining sportsmanship and high playing ability? A: The Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.

Q: Which award is given to the player who best combines on-ice performance with humanitarian service in his community? A: The King Clancy Memorial Trophy.

Q: Which award is sometimes referred to as the "sportsmanship" trophy? A: The Lady Byng Trophy.

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Award-Specific Details

Q: Which trophy is awarded to the defenseman who "demonstrates the greatest all-around ability" at the position? A: The Norris Trophy.

Q: Which award is named after a legendary Canadiens goaltender and honors goalies for outstanding "goaltending ability"? A: The Vezina Trophy (named after Georges Vezina).

Q: Which trophy's winner is often considered the "best pure scorer" in the league? A: The Rocket Richard Trophy.

Q: Which award has historically been dominated by centers like Patrice Bergeron and Anze Kopitar? A: The Selke Trophy.

Legendary Winners

Q: Which award did Wayne Gretzky win nine times, more than any other player in history? A: The Hart Trophy.

Q: Which award did Nicklas Lidström win seven times as a defenseman? A: The Norris Trophy.

Q: Which award did Pavel Datsyuk famously win three straight times as an elite two-way forward? A: The Selke Trophy.

Q: Which trophy did Martin Brodeur win multiple times as the league's top goaltender? A: The Vezina Trophy.

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Voting & Selection

Q: Which award is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association for NHL MVP? A: The Hart Trophy.

Q: Which award is voted on by the NHL's general managers for best goaltender? A: The Vezina Trophy.

Award Comparisons

Q: Which trophy has both a team version (for best record) and no individual equivalent? A: The Presidents' Trophy.

Q: Which two major individual awards are most commonly associated with overall offensive production? A: The Hart Trophy (MVP) and the Art Ross Trophy (points leader).

Why NHL Awards Matter

Awards define legacies. Hart Trophy winners are remembered as MVPs, Norris winners as defensive legends, and Selke winners as two-way masters. Understanding awards helps you contextualize player careers and appreciate different styles of excellence beyond just goal totals.

The Voting Process

Most NHL awards are voted on by writers, broadcasters, or general managers, creating occasional controversies when popular players get snubbed. The Ted Lindsay Award stands apart because players vote for it, making it particularly prestigious among players themselves.

Awards vs. Hall of Fame

Winning major awards significantly boosts Hall of Fame chances. Multiple Hart or Norris trophies almost guarantee induction, while Selke and Lady Byng winners need additional accomplishments. The Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) carries enormous weight because playoff performance defines careers.

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