2008 NHL Awards

The 2008 NHL Awards are ice hockey honors and were presented on June 12, 2008 at the Elgin Theater in Toronto .

The nominations for the Vezina Trophy , James Norris Memorial Trophy , Calder Memorial Trophy , Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, and Frank J. Selke Trophy were announced in the week of April 21-25, 2008. On April 29th, the nominees for the Hart Memorial Trophy for the most valuable player ( MVP ) of the regular season were announced.

At the award ceremony on June 12, 2008, Russian striker Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals was the big winner when he became the first player in NHL history to win the trophies as most valuable player, best player, best scorer and top scorer for his achievements within one Season received. Washington coach Bruce Boudreau was also honored as the best coach in the league.

Together with Washington, the Detroit Red Wings were the most successful team, which also received five trophies. Nicklas Lidström received the award for best defender for the sixth time, while Pawel Dazjuk was the first player since Frank Boucher to receive the trophy for the fairest player for the third time in a row from 1933 to 1935. He was also recognized as the best defensive striker and received the award for the best plus / minus statistics. Detroit goalkeepers Dominik Hašek and Chris Osgood received the trophy for the fewest goals conceded.

Martin Brodeur was named best goalkeeper for the fourth time within five seasons, while Patrick Kane was the first time since 2004 that a North American player was honored as the best young professional.

Award winners

Hart Memorial Trophy Awarded to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Season by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association

Alexander Ovechkin (LW) - Washington Capitals

Also nominated:
Jarome Iginla (RW) - Calgary Flames
Yevgeny Malkin (C) - Pittsburgh Penguins

Lester B. Pearson Award Awarded to the Outstanding Player of the Season by the NHLPA Players Union

Alexander Ovechkin (LW) - Washington Capitals

Also nominated:
Jarome Iginla (RW) - Calgary Flames
Yevgeny Malkin (C) - Pittsburgh Penguins

Vezina Trophy Awarded to the outstanding goalkeeper of the season by the general managers of the teams

Martin Brodeur - New Jersey Devils

Also nominated:

James Norris Memorial Trophy Awarded by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association to the defender who demonstrated the most all-round skill in this position of the season

Nicklas Lidström - Detroit Red Wings

Also nominated:

Frank J. Selke Trophy Awarded to the attacker with the best defensive skills by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association

Pavel Datsjuk - Detroit Red Wings

Also nominated:

Calder Memorial Trophy Awarded by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association to the player who is considered to be the most capable in his freshman year

Patrick Kane (RW) - Chicago Blackhawks

Also nominated:

Nicklas Bäckström (C) - Washington Capitals
Jonathan Toews (C) - Chicago Blackhawks

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Awarded by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association to the player who excelled through a high standard of sport and fair behavior

Pawel Dazjuk (C) - Detroit Red Wings

Also nominated:

Jason Pominville (RW) - Buffalo Sabers
Martin St. Louis (RW) - Tampa Bay Lightning

Jack Adams Award Awarded by the NHL Broadcasters' Association to the coach who contributed most to the success of his team

Bruce Boudreau - Washington Capitals

Also nominated:

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy Awarded by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association to the player who showed perseverance, dedication, and fairness in and around ice hockey

Jason Blake - Toronto Maple Leafs

Also nominated:

Each team could propose a player for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which the New York Rangers did without. The Professional Hockey Writers' Association selected the three nominees from the 29 players

King Clancy Memorial Trophy Awarded to the player who excelled through leadership skills, both on and off the ice, and through community engagement

Vincent Lecavalier - Tampa Bay Lightning

Conn Smythe Trophy Awarded to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Play Offs

Henrik Zetterberg (LW) - Detroit Red Wings

NHL Lifetime Achievement Award Awarded to personalities from the National Hockey League for their services

Gordie Howe

More trophies

Art Ross Trophy Awarded to the best scorer of the season

Alexander Ovetschkin - Washington Capitals 112 points (65 goals, 47 assists)

Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy Awarded to the top scorer in the league

Alexander Ovechkin - Washington Capitals 65 goals

William M. Jennings Trophy Awarded to the goalkeeper (s) who have made at least 25 appearances and whose team has conceded the fewest goals in the season

Chris Osgood conceded 84 goals in 43 games (conceded average: 2.09) and
Dominik Hašek - Detroit Red Wings conceded 84 goals in 41 games (conceded average: 2.14)

Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award Awarded to the goalkeeper who has made at least 25 appearances and has the best catch rate during the season