SenShot’s Mid-Season NHL Awards

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY- Rookie Of the  Year

EAST:  Torey Krug, BOS – The little blueliner has continued his play from the post-season last year and leads rookie blueliners by a wide margin in scoring, and has put himself among the top 15 in scoring by all defensemen, not just rookies. 10 goals and 13 assists so far this season.

Jan 4, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) skates during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

WEST:  Tomas Hertl, SJ – Highlighted by a 4 goal game early on in the season, Hertl got off to a blistering start.  Leads all rookies with 15 goals and second in points with 25.

Nov 29, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl (48) skates toward the St. Louis Blues goal during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Sharks won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

WINNER:  Hertl.  He slowed down in the latter stages of the first half, and if Sean Monahan hadn’t been injured, or if Tyler Toffoli had started the season in the NHL, he might not be the nominee.  Hot on his heels are Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin as well, and if he doesn’t pick up his pace, Hertl will not be in the conversation at the end of the year, when it really matters.