After each NHL season, the league presents awards to outstanding players who made a great difference on each of their teams. This year's awards are taking place Wednesday, June 20 in Las Vegas. Here's a look at the top candidates vying for each prestigious title.
Hart Memorial Trophy, the award given to the player said to be the most valuable to his team:
Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning - Stamkos recorded 97 points throughout the season between his 60 goals and 37 assists. He ended 2011-12 with a plus-7 rating.
Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers - The highly-respected goalie led the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the Devils. Lundqvist ended the season with a 39-18-5 record, totaling a 1.97 GAA and 0.930 SVP.
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins - Pittsburgh's center led his team with 109 points after scoring 50 goals and making 59 assists. Malkin ended the regular season with a plus-18 rating.
Vezina Trophy, the award given to the top goaltender as voted by the general managers of each NHL team:
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Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings - The former UMASS goaltender is the reason the Kings qualified for the playoffs in the first place, later leading the team to their first Stanley Cup title in their 45-year history. Quick averaged a 1.95 GAA and 0.929 SVP.
Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators - Rinne's been a huge asset to Nashville's team, recording an impressive 0.923 SVP and ending the regular season with a 43-18-8 record.
Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers - Yepp, he's up for multiple awards this year.
James Norris Memorial Trophy, the award given to a defenseman with the the greatest all-around ability:
Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins - Boston's big man ended the season with an impressive plus-33 rating, recording 12 goals and 40 assists.
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Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators - Karlsson served as the team captain in Ottawa, as well as in this season's All-Star game. He earned 78 points and a plus-16 rating.
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators - Weber has incredible skill and physical presence on the ice. He recorded 19 goals and 30 assists, earning a plus-21 rating.
Calder Memorial Trophy, the award given to the top first-year player in the league:
Adam Henrique, New Jersey Devils - New Jersey's young center helped lead his team to the Stanley Cup Final and stepped up after reports of injuries affecting his teammates. He scored 16 goals and 35 assists in 130 SOG.
Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche - Landeskog finished the season with a plus-20 rating, earning 52 points.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton Oilers - The Oilers center scored 18 goals and made 34 assists, earning himself 52 points throughout the regular season as well.
Awards will also be presented for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, Frank J. Selke Trophy, Jack Adams Award, Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, Bridgestone Messier Leadership Award, NHL Foundation Award, and General Manager of the Year.