Through December 27th 2010 these players, in my opinion, have shown enough to set themselves apart from the opposition for each awards, and while there are others who could arguably be included, these players have done more in all situations to be more valuable.
Norris:
Nikolas Lidstrom- perennially one of the best defensemen in the NHL. Even at his age, he has shown he can still do it all and do it at a high level of play. 29 points through 35 games, nearly 24 minutes per game, a power play machine for Detroit who leads all defensemen in PP points, while still playing over 3 minutes per game on the penalty kill. He is the undisputed leader of the Detroit defense.
Kris Letang- having a breakout season with Pittsburgh, and one that has been well timed. Over 2 minutes per game on the Penalty kill, leading his defense in PP points, and providing very good defense in his own end, his 31 points have him 2nd in the NHL for defensemen
Tobias Enstrom- Like Letang, having a breakout season, but he's always been a player you knew would hit his stride sooner rather than later. Very good at both ends, but this year his offense has caught his overall game and made him that much more dangerous. Over 24 minutes per game, and a regular on the PK, he is only going to get better as the year goes on. He is the anchor of Atlanta's defense and well deserved of his place on this list.
Honorable mentions include Dustin Byfuglien, Marc Staal, and JM Liles
Calder:
Logan Couture- Finally making his mark in the NHL, he scored early and often and has a strangle hold on the award at this point. 18 goals places him in very good company among regulars in the NHL, and places him 7 ahead of the next rookie. He plays a good two way game and should only get better as the season goes.
Jeff Skinner- Perhaps the surprise of the crop of rookies thus far. He has slowed somewhat but his two way play has kept him in the NHL even during a slump that saw him garner only 4 points in 13 games.
Sergei Bobrovski- his play in goal for Philadelphia has been nothing short of a ray of sunshine. Sorely needing a goaltender to take the reins, he did so from the opening drop of the puck and hasn't let go. Currently 8th in wins, he has given the Flyers great goaltending when they needed it and good enough goaltending the rest of the time.
Honorable mentions include Jordan Eberle, taylor Hall, and John Carlson
5- Crosby and Stamkos emerging as defacto goal scorers. It may be a little early to leave out Alexander Oveckin, but for the past 82 games, these two guys are at the top of the NHL and it's rather lonely. Crosby, in his last 82 games of the regular season, has 60 goals. This season he has been on a tear with 32 goals in only 39 games. Stamkos, who also started this season on a tear, is at 61 goals in his last 82 games. The fact there are numerous stories, tweets, forum posts ect popping up about the two of them and their goal battle last year and points battle this year brings this in at #5.
4- 2009/2010 playoffs. Jaroslav Halak and the Montreal Canadiens returned to the early 90's when it was Patrick Roy closing the door and bringing the Habs the cup. Well, it didn't go that far, but for two round of glorious hockey it was amazing watching a backup goaltender put down 2 of the best teams in the NHL, the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. Speaking of backup goaltenders. An even bigger story would be Brian Boucher and the Philly Flyers coming back from a 3-0 deficit and defeating the Boston Bruins, and coming within a hair of the Cup. Add in Pronger's huge playoff and it was a great year.
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