Canadiens' Mid Season Awards

It's not been an easy first half for the Montreal Canadiens, and before they managed to right the ship in December, it looked like the Habs would be in the mix for a top-five pick rather than for the playoffs.

Now though, the Canadiens are in the mix for a playoff spot, and the following players have had a big hand in it.

Most reliable player: Nick Suzuki
The captain is always there, always ready and always leading by example. So far this season, he's put up 43 points in 42 games and is on his way to a first point-per-game season. We've yet to see the captain's ceiling but what we've seen so far has been great.

Best rookie: Lane Hutson
Considering the blueliner is leading all NHL rookies in points, it's hard to go another way on this one, although Emil Heineman and Jakub Dobes have done well in limited roles. In 42 games, Hutson has put up 32 points and has a minus-seven rating. He's two points ahead Russian sensation Matvei Michkov who has played one less game, but is a forward and not a defenseman like Hutson. Macklin Celebrini is third with 29 points in 33 games. Halfway through the season, there's a good chance Hutson could become the first Canadines player to win the Calder Trophy since Ken Dryden in 1971-72.

Best defenseman: Kaiden Guhle
I'm not talking about points here, I'm talking about the defensive game. Guhle's physical game and shot blocking prowess are becoming increasingly important for the Canadiens. He's second on the team with 86 blocks and last year, he finished with 178.

Related: Canadiens: Guhles Is A Gamer

Best scorer: Cole Caufield

With 23 goals in 42 games, Caufield has to be the choice here. He started the year on an absolute tear, even leading the lead in goals, but he has scored less of late. When Patrik Laine made his season debut and joined the first power play unit, he was put in Caufield's spot and started racking up goals on the man-advantage. Caufield didn't moan or sulk, he was just happy to see Laine score and his attitude is great for the team.

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens