Hischier, Hughes Named Finalists for NHL Awards | BLOG

The National Hockey League announced today the finalists for several of the year-end awards, a list that includes two New Jersey Devils.

Captain Nico Hischier has been named a finalist for the Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game, while Jack Hughes has been named as a finalist for the Lady Byng, awarded annually "to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability."

Hischier is coming off a career year in several different categories, both offensively and with his defensive game. Hischier ended the season with a career-best +33 rating and led all Devils players in shorthanded ice-time (196:56). Hischier played an important part for the team at the faceoff dot, taking important draws in both the offensive and defensive zone taking 1,654 draws and 891 wins.

Hischier is a first-time finalist and is nominated alongside five-time winner Patrice Bergeron (BOS) and Mitch Marner (TOR).

Hughes is a first-time finalist for the Lady Byng Award, given annually to the player "to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability." Hughes has a knack for staying out of the penalty box, despite all the minutes he plays and the attention his abilities bring, with teams game-planning around a lot of Hughes' play.

Hughes set a franchise record in points (99) this season, reaching career-highs across the board and had just six penalty minutes in 82 games.

The 21-year-old is a finalist along with Anze Kopitar (LAK) and Brayden Point (TBL).