{coyotes} USA Today: First-quarter NHL awards winners

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The award winners at the quarter mark of the NHL season:

Hart Trophy: Alexander Steen (St. Louis Blues). The MVP leader has been the best player on the team playing the best hockey. He's tied for the NHL lead in goals and is a noteworthy defensive forward. He's a coach's dream. Prime contenders: Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins) and Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks).

Norris Trophy: Erik Karlsson (Ottawa Senators). No defenseman can match Karlsson's game-changing ability. He's playing 27 minutes, 31 seconds a night and is averaging a point a game. Prime contenders: Ryan Suter (Minnesota Wild) and P.K. Subban (Montreal Canadiens).

Calder Trophy: Seth Jones (Nashville Predators). Although there's a quality collection of rookie forwards, the defenseman is having the greatest impact on his team. He has averaged about 24 minutes a game and has played 26 or more minutes seven times. It's hard to believe he's 19. Prime contenders: Tomas Hertl (San Jose Sharks) and Sean Monahan (Calgary Flames).

GM of the Year: Don Maloney (Phoenix Coyotes). This is a tough choice because a handful of GMs have done a masterful job of refashioning their teams. But Maloney is working with one of the league's lower payrolls and but has fashioned an offense that can score with the top teams. No one expected Phoenix's 14-4-3 start. Prime contenders: Doug Armstrong (St. Louis) and Doug Wilson (San Jose).

Masterton Trophy: Teemu Selanne (Anaheim). This award is supposed to be about dedication and perseverance. Somehow it has evolved into comeback player of the year. Selanne fits the true definition. He has played at a high level into his 40s and has been a classy, congenial person throughout his career. Prime contenders: Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils).

Jack Adams Award: Patrick Roy (Colorado Avalanche). There are several prime coaching candidates. Roy gets the edge because the Avalanche were a lottery team last season and now they play like a confident contender. Prime contenders: Bruce Boudreau (Anaheim) and Mike Yeo (Minnesota).

Selke Trophy: Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings). He leads the league in takeaways and is a relentless back checker. He's a quality faceoff man and will block shots as well. Prime contenders: Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins) and Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks).

Lady Byng Trophy: Logan Couture (San Jose). The A-level player doesn't have a penalty this season and is a gentlemanly guy with an entertaining Twitter account. Prime contenders: St. Louis and Selanne.

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