It may seem hard to believe, but we're just a little over a month now from the end of the Flyers' regular season.
And when the Orange and Black take the ice for the final time this regular season — April 11 against Ottawa, to be exact — they'll continue their excellent annual tradition of recognizing several of their impact players this season.
Some players are shoo-ins for several of the awards, but others aren't as easy. Let's take a look at some early contenders that could receive honors.
Bobby Clarke Trophy (Most Valuable Player):
Steve Mason. While the Flyers are a long shot to make the playoffs, there's no doubt that they wouldn't be where they are today without the steady play of Steve Mason between the pipes. He's given them a chance to compete on a nightly basis, while bailing out the shaky defense iced in front of him. The Flyers have spent many a recent season in search of a true top-flight goalie, and they have one in 'Mase.'
The biggest question mark surrounding Mason though, is the injury problems that have plagued him since December. Assuming he doesn't earn the honor, expect Jakub Voracek to earn the honors for the second time in three seasons. His 66 points lead the team, and he currently sits tied for fourth in the NHL's scoring race.
Barry Ashbee Trophy (Outstanding Defenseman):
Sadly, Kimmo Timonen won't be able to claim the award for the fourth-consecutive season. Nonetheless, expect another offensive-defenseman in Mark Streit to earn the honor.
Streit is on pace to finish the season with 53 points — breaking the 50-point plateau for the first time since 2008-09. His 43 points are also tied with Colorado's Tyson Barrie and Nashville's Shea Weber for eighth in defensemen scoring. Additionally, he's proven that he's earned the 'A' on his sweater in his second season with the Winged P, and has been the only defenseman to have not been scratched from the lineup at any point this season.
Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy (Most Improved Player):
Chris VandeVelde. VandeVelde's solidified his place as a fourth-line winger, alongside Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and the Zac Rinaldo/Vinny Lecavalier combination du jour.
This season, VandeVelde's shattered career highs in just about every significant statistical category, and has established himself as a steady defensive forward with somewhat of an offensive prowess. His contract is set to expire at season's end, and would be worth considering for a return to the lineup next year.
Yanick Dupre Class Guy Memorial Award (Character, Dignity and Respect On and Off the Ice):
Sean Couturier. Set to finish his fourth professional season with the Flyers, Couturier has developed into a decent defensive forward, while increasing his leadership role with the team as well. It seems as if he understands how crucial and critical he will be as part of the Flyers' plan to build as a perennial Stanley Cup contender, and how character, dignity and respect will go a long way for both him and the team.
Gene Hart Memorial Award (Player with the most "Heart"):
Wayne Simmonds. Through four seasons in Philadelphia, not much players have exemplified Flyer hockey quite like Simmonds. He'll scrap out in front of the net (where he's scored much of his team-leading 26 goals this season), and he's not afraid to play a little physical. He'll even drop the gloves if it comes down to it.
Claude Giroux could also be considered, for his leadership and competitive fire that he brings to the rink on a daily basis. It's been easy to call Giroux into question and scrutiny on multiple occasions this season, but there's no denying the level of competitiveness he brings to the team.
Follow Rob Riches on Twitter @Riches61
