Canadiens Players Eye Trophies as Season Progresses

The Montreal Canadiens have made a strong start to the 2025-2026 season, with several players showcasing impressive performances on the ice. As a result, there is growing speculation about which Canadiens players might contend for individual trophies at the end of the season. According to a recent analysis by ESPN, there are several candidates worth noting.

Potential Trophy Contenders

As the season unfolds, the Canadiens’ roster appears to possess more talent than in recent years, creating a promising outlook for individual accolades. Here are the top five players who could be in contention for specific awards if their strong performances continue.

5. The Vézina Trophy

Jakub Dobes has emerged as a standout goalie for the Canadiens. However, with Samuel Montembeault regaining form and taking the net for more games, Dobes may face challenges in maintaining his current level of play. The competition for the Vézina Trophy is fierce, particularly as goalies who log more minutes tend to have increased chances at this coveted award.

4. The Norris Trophy

Mike Matheson garnered attention when ESPN named him a favorite for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top defenseman. The Quebec native’s performance has impressed many, but he faces stiff competition from established players like Cale Makar, who has dominated recent votes. The expectation is that Matheson will have to significantly elevate his game to contend seriously for this honor.

3. The Selke Trophy

With Aleksander Barkov sidelined, Nick Suzuki’s chances for the Selke Trophy, which recognizes the league’s best defensive forward, appear more favorable. Suzuki’s offensive growth each season bolsters his case, although he will still contend with a robust field of competitors for this recognition.

2. The Maurice Richard Trophy

Cole Caufield is another player with strong potential for individual accolades. Currently tied for the league lead in goals with ten, alongside notable players like Jack Hughes and Leon Draisaitl, Caufield’s position on a top power play unit enhances his chances of finishing the season as the league’s leading goal-scorer. The race for the Maurice Richard Trophy promises to be competitive.

1. The Calder Trophy

The most anticipated award for Canadiens fans may be the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s top rookie. While Jakub Dobes and Oliver Kapanen are strong candidates, many agree that Ivan Demidov is currently the frontrunner. Analysts suggest that the race is primarily between Demidov and New York Islanders’ standout Matthew Schaefer, making this award particularly intriguing given the smaller pool of contenders.

As the season progresses, the Canadiens’ players continue to build on their early successes. Fans will be closely monitoring these potential trophy winners as they strive to achieve personal and team goals throughout the remainder of the season. With the right performances, the Canadiens could see several of their players recognized for their exceptional contributions to the game.