We have the Selke Trophy, handed to the NHL’s best defensive forward at the end of each season. We have the goalscoring Rocket Richard Trophy and the points-leading Art Ross Trophy. We have the Hart and Ted Lindsay awards for team MVPs. But the NHL has never offered an award for its best playmakers.
If there was a trophy for assists, Crosby would likely already have claimed it. In 2013-14, the captain paced the League with 68 helpers in 80 games.
If that award existed, would Crosby still be in contention for the trophy today?
Stats breakdown
In 2020-21, Crosby registered 38 assists in 55 games (20 primary assists, 18 secondary helpers).