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The Wyshynski Awards: A Look at the NHL’s First Quarter of the 2024-25 Season

As the NHL season moves into its second quarter, it’s time to take stock of the early goings and hand out some (unofficial) hardware. ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, known for his in-depth coverage of the league, has become synonymous with handing out his “Wyshynski Awards” to highlight the standout players, teams, and moments from the first quarter of the NHL season. From the Hart Trophy favorites to the surprise teams making waves, the 2024-25 campaign is shaping up to be an exciting one.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable winners for the first quarter of the season, as assessed through Wyshynski’s lens.

Most Valuable Player: Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)

It’s not a surprise to see Connor McDavid once again in the conversation for the most valuable player award. Despite a somewhat rocky start for the Edmonton Oilers, McDavid’s individual brilliance has shone through. He remains the most dominant force on the ice, currently sitting near the top of the league in points, assists, and even strength scoring.

In the first quarter of the season, McDavid has continued to defy the laws of physics with his skating and playmaking ability. With the Oilers still trying to stabilize their goaltending and defensive issues, McDavid’s ability to drag the team forward has been crucial. Whether he’s setting up Leon Draisaitl for one-timers or weaving through defenders like they’re cones in practice, McDavid is as close to a lock for the MVP as anyone.

Best Goaltender: Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers)

The battle for the top goaltender in the league has been as tight as ever, but Igor Shesterkin’s early-season performance has helped put the New York Rangers on the map. After a somewhat inconsistent 2023-24 campaign, Shesterkin has rebounded with exceptional play in 2024-25, boasting a .930 save percentage and a 2.10 goals-against average. His ability to make highlight-reel saves while also staying poised in high-pressure moments has kept the Rangers in playoff contention as they refine their team chemistry under head coach Peter Laviolette.

Shesterkin’s combination of quick reflexes and mental fortitude has made him a constant presence in New York’s crease, and he’s been key to the Rangers’ hot start this season.

Most Surprising Team: Buffalo Sabres

At the start of the 2024-25 season, the Buffalo Sabres were seen as a team still in the midst of a rebuild, but early returns have shown they may be ahead of schedule. With an influx of young talent and a deeper roster than in years past, the Sabres have been one of the most exciting teams to watch. Players like Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Dylan Cozens have taken their games to the next level, and the team’s offense is firing on all cylinders.

Buffalo’s success hasn’t been just about individual performances, though. The team has played with a structure that’s been surprisingly effective, combining a strong forecheck with solid defensive play. After years of mediocrity, the Sabres are making waves in the Atlantic Division and look like a legitimate playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.

Best Rookie: Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks)

The much-hyped arrival of Connor Bedard in the NHL has not disappointed. The 18-year-old phenom has taken the league by storm, quickly becoming the centerpiece of the Chicago Blackhawks’ rebuild. Bedard’s vision, shooting accuracy, and poise under pressure have made him a consistent threat every time he steps on the ice. Through the first quarter of the season, Bedard has put up impressive numbers, including several multi-point games, showing he’s not just a product of hype but a bona fide star in the making.

Although the Blackhawks aren’t yet a playoff-caliber team, Bedard’s presence has made every Chicago game must-watch television. His highlight-reel goals and assists are already becoming part of NHL lore, and he’s unquestionably the front-runner for the Calder Trophy at this point in the season.

Best Coach: Jim Montgomery (Boston Bruins)

With the 2024-25 season already off to a competitive start, Jim Montgomery has once again proven that his system is a winning formula. After leading the Boston Bruins to an NHL-record 65 wins last season, Montgomery’s coaching philosophy continues to work wonders in Boston. Despite the departure of key players like Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, Montgomery has gotten the most out of his new-look team, keeping them near the top of the standings in the Eastern Conference.

Montgomery has integrated younger players like Matthew Poitras and Trent Frederic into the Bruins’ lineup without losing the team’s signature structure and discipline. His ability to maintain balance in both the offensive and defensive zones has kept the Bruins relevant in the post-Bergeron era.

Best Play: Auston Matthews’ 100th Career Goal (Toronto Maple Leafs)

While there’s no official “Best Play” category in the Wyshynski Awards, one moment that stands out from the first quarter of the season was Auston Matthews’ 100th career goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs. It wasn’t just a milestone—it was a statement. Matthews’ ability to score in all situations and at any angle has long been one of his most impressive traits, and his 100th goal was a testament to his elite shot and hockey IQ.

The goal was the capstone of an incredible stretch of games for Matthews, who continues to lead the Leafs with his prolific scoring touch. Toronto fans were thrilled to see their star reach the milestone, and it served as a reminder of how special of a player Matthews is, even in the most competitive league in the world.

Biggest Disappointment: Colorado Avalanche’s Injury Woes

The Colorado Avalanche entered the season as one of the favorites in the Western Conference, but a series of injuries has caused some early struggles for the defending champions. While Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen have remained relatively healthy, the team has had to weather injuries to key players like Gabriel Landeskog and Bowen Byram. This has left the Avalanche vulnerable at times, especially with inconsistent play from their goaltending duo of Alexandar Georgiev and Jonas Johansson.

Though Colorado remains in playoff contention, their inability to field a fully healthy roster through the first quarter of the season has been a major disappointment, especially for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.

Final Thoughts

The first quarter of the 2024-25 NHL season has been full of surprises, thrills, and individual brilliance. Connor McDavid and Igor Shesterkin continue to assert their dominance, while young stars like Connor Bedard and Tage Thompson are quickly making a name for themselves. The early-season success of teams like the Buffalo Sabres and the continued excellence of the Boston Bruins show that the NHL is far from predictable.

As the season continues, expect more surprises and breakout performances that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. The Wyshynski Awards offer a glimpse into the future of the league, where emerging stars, established legends, and rising teams are all vying for the spotlight.