2015–16 NHL season

2015–16 NHL season
League National Hockey League
Sport Ice hockey
Duration October 7, 2015 – June 12, 2016
Number of games 82
Number of teams 30
Regular season
Presidents' Trophy Washington Capitals
Season MVP Patrick Kane (Chicago)
Top scorer Patrick Kane (Chicago)
Playoffs
Eastern champions Pittsburgh Penguins
  Eastern runners-up Tampa Bay Lightning
Western champions San Jose Sharks
  Western runners-up St. Louis Blues
Stanley Cup
Champions Pittsburgh Penguins
  Runners-up San Jose Sharks
Conn Smythe Trophy Sidney Crosby

The 2015–16 NHL season was the 99th season of operation (98th season of play) of the National Hockey League (NHL). Thirty teams competed in 82-game regular season schedules from October 7, 2015 to April 10, 2016.

The 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs following the regular season began on April 13, 2016 and ended June 12 with the Pittsburgh Penguins winning their fourth Stanley Cup. None of the seven Canadian-based teams qualified for the playoffs; this was the second season in league history that the playoff field consisted of only United States-based teams. The only other time in league history that no Canadian teams qualified for the postseason was in 1970.[1][2]

League business

Salary cap

In December 2014, commissioner Gary Bettman told teams that he projected the salary cap to increase to at least $73 million for the 2015–16 season, citing the fluctuating value of the Canadian dollar.[3] The cap was ultimately set at $71.4 million.[4]

Rule changes

Rule changes approved by the NHL Board of Governors on June 24, 2015, include:[5]

Expansion bids

For the second time since 2000, the league ended a moratorium on potential expansion teams and began accepting bids for potential expansion teams that, if approved, would begin play in the 2017–18 season. During the 2015 offseason, two ownership groups offered bids: Quebecor, which planned on reviving the Quebec Nordiques at a new arena in Quebec City, Quebec, and Bill Foley's Black Knight Sports & Entertainment, which intended to place an expansion team at a new arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The league concluded the vetting process on September 4, 2015, with a final decision to follow in June 2016.[8]

Media rights

In August 2015, the league announced a six-year deal with MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) to take over the technical operations of the NHL's in-house digital properties. Under the agreement, MLBAM took over the operations of the NHL's websites, apps, streaming services, and other digital properties starting in January 2016. MLBAM also took over international distribution of the league's digital out-of-market streaming services outside of Canada and Scandinavia.[9] The NHL will also take an equity stake of up to 10 percent in a spin-off of MLBAM's streaming media business.[9][10][11] As an aspect of the deal, the U.S. version of NHL Network was also relocated to the facilities of MLB Network.[9]

The re-launch of the league's digital properties under MLBAM occurred in February 2016, with the launch of the new NHL.com website and mobile app following the 2016 NHL All-Star Game.[12] The re-launched NHL GameCenter Live service outside of Canada was re-branded as NHL.tv, while the Canadian service remains branded as Rogers NHL GameCentre Live. Both services were upgraded to utilize a new client on MLBAM architecture with support for 60 FPS streaming.[13] The re-launch of the services, however, was marred by technical issues caused by a malfunctioning content delivery network.[14]

As the result of a lawsuit settlement, the NHL agreed to offer single-team packages for its out-of-market services in the United States.[15] The updated NHL app also offers a downsized out-of-market subscription service known as NHL Premium, which streams the conclusion of each game (final five minutes, plus overtime/shootouts if needed).[12]

On March 10, 2016, the NHL announced a deal with Yahoo! Sports, in which it will offer free online streaming in the U.S. of up to four out-of-market games per-week. The site will also feature additional NHL content, such as condensed games and highlight showcases. The deal expands upon an ongoing relationship with U.S. rightsholder NBC, as well as a relationship with Major League Baseball to host the MLB.tv Game of the Day stream.[16][17]

In Canada, the Sunday-night Hometown Hockey game of the week on City was moved to Sportsnet.[18][19] Both Sportsnet and TSN announced plans to produce telecasts of selected national and regional games in 4K ultra high-definition television.[20][21] The Canadian version of NHL Network was shut down August 31, 2015.[22]

On May 5, 2016, NBC Sports announced that it would provide national radio broadcasts of the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals via NBC Sports Radio.[23] NHL Radio broadcasts had not been heard continent-wide since 2008.

Coaching changes

Coaching changes
Offseason
Team 2014–15 coach 2015–16 coach Story / Accomplishments
Buffalo Sabres Ted Nolan Dan Bylsma Nolan was fired on April 12, 2015. In his second stint with the club, he compiled a record of 40–87–17 over the course of 1¾ seasons, both of which ended with the team in last place in the league.[24] On May 28, Bylsma succeeded after serving on the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2009 to 2014, where he accumulated a 252–117–32 regular season record and a 43–35 postseason record. In 2009, he guided the Penguins to win the Stanley Cup. For his efforts during the 2010–11 season, he was awarded the Jack Adams Award as the league's most outstanding coach.[25]
Detroit Red Wings Mike Babcock Jeff Blashill Babcock's contract with the Red Wings was to expire July 1, 2015; the Red Wings granted his request to pursue employment elsewhere on May 8, after failing to come to terms on a contract.[26] In ten seasons with the Red Wings, Babcock accumulated a record of 458–223–15, made the playoffs every year, and won the Stanley Cup in 2008. Babcock was highly sought after on the open market, and on May 20, 2015, after several teams courted him, Babcock signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.[27] The Red Wings promoted Jeff Blashill, who coached the Red Wings' minor league affiliate the Grand Rapids Griffins. Once the Griffins completed their playoff run, the Red Wings retained Blashill's rights and did not allow any NHL team to interview him for openings.[26]
Edmonton Oilers Dallas Eakins,
Todd Nelson*		 Todd McLellan Eakins, in 1½ seasons with the Oilers, compiled a record of 36–63–14 and was fired on December 15, 2014. Nelson completed the season with a record of 17–25–9. On May 19, McLellan succeeded after serving seven seasons as a head coach with the San Jose Sharks, after mutually agreeing to part ways with them on April 20, 2015. In his tenure in San Jose, he became the most successful coach to date and compiled a regular season record of 311–163–66. He made the playoffs six out of the seven seasons, compiling a record of 30–32.[28]
New Jersey Devils Peter DeBoer,
Scott Stevens*,
Adam Oates*		 John Hynes DeBoer, in 3½ seasons with the Devils, compiled a record of 114–93–41 before being fired on December 26, 2014. The Devils used interim head coaches Scott Stevens and Adam Oates for the remainder of the season. DeBoer joined the San Jose Sharks. On June 2, 2015, Hynes succeeds after serving on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League as a head coach from 2009 to 2010, where he compiled a 231–126–10–17. He qualified for the playoffs in all five seasons behind the bench. With this hiring, he became the youngest coach in the NHL at the age of 40.[29]
Philadelphia Flyers Craig Berube Dave Hakstol Berube was fired on April 17, 2015, after accumulating a record of 75–58–28 in two seasons.[30] In his first season, he took the Flyers to the playoffs. They ended up losing to the New York Rangers in the first round 4–3. The team missed the playoffs in Berube's second season at the helm. Hakstol, whom the Flyers hired on May 18, 2015, had been head coach of the University of North Dakota men's ice hockey team for the previous 11 years.[31]
San Jose Sharks Todd McLellan Peter DeBoer McLellan was San Jose's most successful coach to date and compiled a regular season record of 311–163–66 over seven seasons. However, the San Jose Sharks and Todd McLellan mutually agreed to part ways on April 20, 2015, after failing to make the playoffs for the first time in his tenure.[32] On May 19, 2015, McLellan then became head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. On May 28, 2015, the Sharks announced that they had hired Peter DeBoer. He had been the head coach of the New Jersey Devils, where he left with a 114–94–41 record over parts of four seasons. In his tenure, he guided the Devils to the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals where they lost in six games to the Los Angeles Kings.[33]
Toronto Maple Leafs Randy Carlyle,
Peter Horachek*		 Mike Babcock Carlyle began the season as the head coach, but was fired on January 6, 2015, after posting a 21–16–3 record through 40 games. In 3½ seasons with the Leafs, he compiled a record of 91–78–19. Horachek finished the season with a record of 9–28–5 and was dismissed on April 12, 2015.[34] On May 20, 2015, the Maple Leafs signed Babcock to an eight-year, US$50,000,000 contract (the largest for a coach in NHL history).[27] In ten seasons with the Red Wings, Babcock accumulated a record of 458–223–15, made the playoffs every year, and won the Stanley Cup in 2008.
In-season
Team Outgoing coach Incoming coach Story / Accomplishments
Columbus Blue Jackets Todd Richards John Tortorella Richards was fired on October 21, 2015, after posting a 0–7–0 record through 7 games this season.[35] He had been named interim head coach on January 9, 2012, before being promoted to the franchise's sixth head coach on May 14, 2012. Richards posted a record of 127–112–21 in 260 games. The team made the post-season once under his tenure, going 2–4, including the team's first-ever post-season win on April 19, 2014. On October 21, 2015, the Blue Jackets signed Tortorella to become its next head coach.[36] He had been the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks (2013–14), New York Rangers (2009–13), and the Tampa Bay Lightning (2001–08). He guided Tampa Bay to the Stanley Cup in 2004.
Pittsburgh Penguins Mike Johnston Mike Sullivan Johnston was fired on December 12, 2015, after posting a 15–10–3 record through 28 games this season.[37] He had served as the head coach since the start of the 2014–15 season. He left with a record of 58–37–15 in 110 games. The team made the post-season once under his tenure despite going 1–4. On December 12, Sullivan who was coaching the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League at the time, received the call for the head coaching vacancy with the main club.[38] He was in his first season with the farm team, taking them to an 18–5–0–0 record.
Minnesota Wild Mike Yeo John Torchetti* Yeo was fired on February 13, 2016, after posting a 23–22–10 record through 55 games this season.[39] He had served as the head coach since the start of the 2011–12 season. He left with a record of 173–132–44 in 349 games and made the playoffs three times despite going 11–17. On February 13, Torchetti who was coaching the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League at the time, became the interim head coach for the main club.[40] In parts of two seasons or 114 games with the farm team, he amassed a record of 36–68–5–5.

(*) Indicates interim.

Arena changes

The 2015–16 marked the New York Islanders' move from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale to Barclays Center in Brooklyn.[41] The Edmonton Oilers played their final season at Rexall Place; the team will move to the newly constructed Rogers Place in the 2016-17 season.[42]

Regular season

The regular season began on October 7, 2015, and ended on April 10, 2016. The playoffs began on Wednesday, April 13, 2016.

Winter Classic

The 2016 NHL Winter Classic was held on January 1, 2016. The game, the eighth Winter Classic, saw the Montreal Canadiens defeat the Boston Bruins, 5–1, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, a significant event in one of the NHL's best-known rivalries. A Bruins and Canadiens alumni game was also played on December 31, 2015.[43] The Boston Pride women's professional hockey team played before the alumni game against Les Canadiennes of the Canadian Women's Hockey League to a 1–1 tie in the first ever Women's Winter Classic.[44]

Stadium Series

There were two Stadium Series games planned. The first one featured the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild at TCF Bank Stadium on Sunday, February 21, 2016, where the Wild defeated the Blackhawks 6–1. The other game was the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche at Coors Field on Saturday, February 27, 2016, where the Red Wings defeated the Avalanche 5–3.

All–Star Game

The 61st National Hockey League All-Star Game was held in Nashville, Tennessee at Bridgestone Arena, home of the Nashville Predators, on January 31, 2016. The All-Star Game adopted a new, three-on-three tournament format; there were three 20-minute games, with four All-Star teams based on the league's four divisions. The Atlantic Division All-Stars faced the Metropolitan Division All-Stars, while the Central Division All-Stars played against the Pacific Division All-Stars. The winners of these two games then met in an All-Star Game Final. Had a tie remained after 20 minutes, then it would have immediately gone to a shootout to determine the winner; there would be no standard overtime.[45] The Pacific Division All-Stars, led by fan-voted captain and MVP John Scott, won the tournament, beating the Atlantic All-Stars in the finals

Postponed games

Three games were postponed due to the January 2016 United States blizzard: the Anaheim Ducks–Washington Capitals game originally scheduled for January 22, the Philadelphia Flyers–New York Islanders game originally scheduled for January 23, and the Pittsburgh Penguins–Washington Capitals game originally scheduled for January 24.[46][47] The Penguins–Capitals game was rescheduled for March 1, while the Ducks–Capitals and Flyers–Islanders games were rescheduled for April 10.[48]

Standings

Top 3 (Metropolitan Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 p – Washington Capitals 82 56 18 8 52 252 193 +59 120
2 x – Pittsburgh Penguins 82 48 26 8 44 245 203 +42 104
3 x – New York Rangers 82 46 27 9 43 236 217 +19 101
Source: National Hockey League
p – Clinched Presidents Trophy; x – Clinched playoff spot.
Top 3 (Atlantic Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 y – Florida Panthers 82 47 26 9 40 239 203 +36 103
2 x – Tampa Bay Lightning 82 46 31 5 43 227 201 +26 97
3 x – Detroit Red Wings 82 41 30 11 39 211 224 −13 93
Source: National Hockey League
x – Clinched playoff spot; y – Clinched division.
Eastern Conference Wild Card
Pos Div Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 ME x – New York Islanders 82 45 27 10 40 232 216 +16 100
2 ME x – Philadelphia Flyers 82 41 27 14 38 214 218 −4 96
3 AT Boston Bruins 82 42 31 9 38 240 230 +10 93
4 ME Carolina Hurricanes 82 35 31 16 33 198 226 −28 86
5 AT Ottawa Senators 82 38 35 9 32 236 247 −11 85
6 ME New Jersey Devils 82 38 36 8 36 184 208 −24 84
7 AT Montreal Canadiens 82 38 38 6 33 221 236 −15 82
8 AT Buffalo Sabres 82 35 36 11 33 201 222 −21 81
9 ME Columbus Blue Jackets 82 34 40 8 28 219 252 −33 76
10 AT Toronto Maple Leafs 82 29 42 11 23 198 246 −48 69
Source: National Hockey League
x – Clinched playoff spot.
Top 3 (Central Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 z – Dallas Stars 82 50 23 9 48 267 230 +37 109
2 x – St. Louis Blues 82 49 24 9 44 224 201 +23 107
3 x – Chicago Blackhawks 82 47 26 9 46 235 209 +26 103
Source: National Hockey League
x – Clinched playoff spot; z – Clinched conference.
Top 3 (Pacific Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 y – Anaheim Ducks 82 46 25 11 43 218 192 +26 103
2 x – Los Angeles Kings 82 48 28 6 46 225 195 +30 102
3 x – San Jose Sharks 82 46 30 6 42 241 210 +31 98
Source: National Hockey League
x – Clinched playoff spot; y – Clinched division.
Western Conference Wild Card
Pos Div Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 CE x – Nashville Predators 82 41 27 14 37 228 215 +13 96
2 CE x – Minnesota Wild 82 38 33 11 35 216 206 +10 87
3 CE Colorado Avalanche 82 39 39 4 35 216 240 −24 82
4 PA Arizona Coyotes 82 35 39 8 34 209 245 −36 78
5 CE Winnipeg Jets 82 35 39 8 32 215 239 −24 78
6 PA Calgary Flames 82 35 40 7 33 231 260 −29 77
7 PA Vancouver Canucks 82 31 38 13 26 191 243 −52 75
8 PA Edmonton Oilers 82 31 43 8 27 203 245 −42 70
Source: National Hockey League
x – Clinched playoff spot.

Tie Breakers:
1. Fewer number of games played.
2. Greater Regulation + OT Wins (ROW)
3. Greatest number of points earned in head-to-head play (If teams played an unequal # of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded.)
4. Greater Goal differential

Player statistics

Scoring leaders

The following players led the league in regular season points at the conclusion of games played on April 10, 2016.[49]

Player Team GP G A Pts +/– PIM
Kane, PatrickPatrick Kane Chicago Blackhawks 82 46 60 106 +17 30
Benn, JamieJamie Benn Dallas Stars 82 41 48 89 +7 64
Crosby, SidneySidney Crosby Pittsburgh Penguins 80 36 49 85 +19 42
Thornton, JoeJoe Thornton San Jose Sharks 82 19 63 82 +25 54
Karlsson, ErikErik Karlsson Ottawa Senators 82 16 66 82 –2 50
Pavelski, JoeJoe Pavelski San Jose Sharks 82 38 40 78 +25 30
Gaudreau, JohnnyJohnny Gaudreau Calgary Flames 79 30 48 78 +4 20
Wheeler, BlakeBlake Wheeler Winnipeg Jets 82 26 52 78 +8 49
Panarin, ArtemiArtemi Panarin Chicago Blackhawks 80 30 47 77 +8 32
Kuznetsov, EvgenyEvgeny Kuznetsov Washington Capitals 82 20 57 77 +27 32

Leading goaltenders

The following goaltenders led the league in regular season goals against average at the conclusion of games played on April 10, 2016, while playing at least 1800 minutes.[50]

Player Team GP TOI W L OTL GA SO SV% GAA
Bishop, BenBen Bishop Tampa Bay Lightning 61 !!!!!3584:38 3584:38 35 21 4 123 6 .926 2.06
Elliott, BrianBrian Elliott St. Louis Blues 42 !!!!!2263:00 2263:00 23 8 6 78 4 .930 2.07
Gibson, JohnJohn Gibson Anaheim Ducks 40 !!!!!2294:40 2294:40 21 13 4 79 4 .920 2.07
Schneider, CoryCory Schneider New Jersey Devils 58 !!!!!3412:26 3412:26 27 25 6 122 4 .924 2.15
Holtby, BradenBraden Holtby Washington Capitals 66 !!!!!3841:11 3841:11 48 9 7 141 3 .922 2.20
Quick, JonathanJonathan Quick Los Angeles Kings 68 !!!!!4034:29 4034:29 40 23 5 149 5 .918 2.22
Neuvirth, MichalMichal Neuvirth Philadelphia Flyers 32 !!!!!1825:29 1825:29 18 8 4 69 3 .924 2.27
Jones, MartinMartin Jones San Jose Sharks 65 !!!!!3785:52 3785:52 37 23 4 143 6 .918 2.27
Fleury, Marc-AndreMarc-Andre Fleury Pittsburgh Penguins 58 !!!!!3462:33 3462:33 35 17 6 132 5 .921 2.29
Andersen, FrederikFrederik Andersen Anaheim Ducks 43 !!!!!2297:56 2297:56 22 9 7 88 3 .919 2.30
Halak, JaroslavJaroslav Halak New York Islanders 36 !!!!!2091:11 2091:11 18 13 4 80 3 .919 2.30

Playoffs

Bracket

In each round, teams compete in a best-of-seven series following a 2–2–1–1–1 format (scores in the bracket indicate the number of games won in each best-of-seven series). The team with home ice advantage plays at home for games one and two (and games five and seven, if necessary), and the other team is at home for games three and four (and game six, if necessary). The top three teams in each division make the playoffs, along with two wild cards in each conference, for a total of eight teams from each conference.

In the First Round, the lower seeded wild card in the conference plays against the division winner with the best record while the other wild card plays against the other division winner, and both wild cards are de facto #4 seeds. The other series match the second and third place teams from the divisions. In the first two rounds, home ice advantage is awarded to the team with the better seed; in the last two rounds, it is awarded to the team that had the better regular season record.

  First Round Second Round Conference Finals Stanley Cup Finals
                                     
A1  Florida 2  
WC  NY Islanders 4  
  WC  NY Islanders 1  
  A2  Tampa Bay 4  
A2  Tampa Bay 4
A3  Detroit 1  
  A2  Tampa Bay 3  
Eastern Conference
  M2  Pittsburgh 4  
M1  Washington 4  
WC  Philadelphia 2  
  M1  Washington 2
  M2  Pittsburgh 4  
M2  Pittsburgh 4
M3  NY Rangers 1  
  M2  Pittsburgh 4
  P3  San Jose 2
C1  Dallas 4  
WC  Minnesota 2  
  C1  Dallas 3
  C2  St. Louis 4  
C2  St. Louis 4
C3  Chicago 3  
  C2  St. Louis 2
Western Conference
  P3  San Jose 4  
P1  Anaheim 3  
WC  Nashville 4  
  WC  Nashville 3
  P3  San Jose 4  
P2  Los Angeles 1
P3  San Jose 4  
Legend

NHL awards

Awards will be presented at the NHL Awards ceremony, to be held following the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs. Finalists for voted awards are announced during the playoffs and winners are presented at the award ceremony. Voting will conclude immediately after the end of the regular season. The President's Trophy, the Prince of Wales Trophy and Clarence S. Campbell Bowl are not presented at the awards ceremony. The Lester Patrick Trophy is announced during the summer and presented in the fall.

2015–16 NHL awards
Award Recipient(s) Runner(s)-up/Finalists
Stanley Cup Pittsburgh Penguins San Jose Sharks
Presidents' Trophy
(Best regular-season record) 		Washington Capitals Dallas Stars
Prince of Wales Trophy
(Eastern Conference champion) 		Pittsburgh Penguins Tampa Bay Lightning
Clarence S. Campbell Bowl
(Western Conference champion) 		San Jose Sharks St. Louis Blues
Art Ross Trophy
(Player with most points) 		Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks) Jamie Benn (Dallas Stars)
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
(Perseverance, Sportsmanship, and Dedication) 		Jaromir Jagr (Florida Panthers) Pascal Dupuis (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Jaromir Jagr (Florida Panthers)
Mats Zuccarello (New York Rangers)
Calder Memorial Trophy
(Best first-year player) 		Artemi Panarin (Chicago Blackhawks) Shayne Gostisbehere (Philadelphia Flyers)
Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)
Artemi Panarin (Chicago Blackhawks)
Conn Smythe Trophy
(Most valuable player, playoffs) 		Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins) N/A
Frank J. Selke Trophy
(Defensive forward) 		Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings) Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins)
Ryan Kesler (Anaheim Ducks)
Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings)
Hart Memorial Trophy
(Most valuable player, regular season) 		Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks) Jamie Benn (Dallas Stars)
Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks)
Jack Adams Award
(Best coach) 		Barry Trotz (Washington Capitals) Gerard Gallant (Florida Panthers)
Lindy Ruff (Dallas Stars)
Barry Trotz (Washington Capitals)
James Norris Memorial Trophy
(Best defenseman) 		Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings) Brent Burns (San Jose Sharks)
Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)
Erik Karlsson (Ottawa Senators)
King Clancy Memorial Trophy
(Leadership and humanitarian contribution) 		Henrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy
(Sportsmanship and excellence) 		Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings) Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers)
Loui Eriksson (Boston Bruins)
Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings)
Ted Lindsay Award
(Outstanding player) 		Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks) Jamie Benn (Dallas Stars)
Braden Holtby (Washington Capitals)
Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks)
Mark Messier Leadership Award
(Leadership and community activities) 		Shea Weber (Nashville Predators) Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)
John Tavares (New York Islanders)
Shea Weber (Nashville Predators)
Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy
(Top goal-scorer) 		Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks)
NHL Foundation Player Award
(Award for community enrichment) 		Mark Giordano (Calgary Flames) Mark Giordano (Calgary Flames)
Matt Martin (New York Islanders)
P. K. Subban (Montreal Canadiens)
NHL General Manager of the Year Award
(Top general manager) 		Jim Rutherford (Pittsburgh Penguins) Brian MacLellan (Washington Capitals)
Jim Nill (Dallas Stars)
Jim Rutherford (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Vezina Trophy
(Best goaltender) 		Braden Holtby (Washington Capitals) Ben Bishop (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Braden Holtby (Washington Capitals)
Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings)
William M. Jennings Trophy
(Goaltender(s) of team with fewest goals against) 		Frederik Andersen and John Gibson
(Anaheim Ducks) 		Braden Holtby (Washington Capitals)
Lester Patrick Trophy
(Service to ice hockey in U.S.) 		Mark Howe and Pat Kelly N/A

All-Star teams

  Position   First Team Second Team Position All-Rookie
G Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay Lightning G John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks
D Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins D Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers
D Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks D Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues
C Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks F Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks
RW Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues F Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
LW Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals F Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres

Milestones

First games

The following is a list of notable players who played their first NHL game during the 2015–16 season, listed with their first team.

Player Team Notability
Connor McDavid Edmonton Oilers First overall pick in the 2015 Draft
Artemi Panarin Chicago Blackhawks Calder Memorial Trophy winner

Last games

The following is a list of players of note who played their last NHL game in 2015–16, listed with their team:

Player Team Notability
Dan Boyle[51] New York Rangers 1-time Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning; Olympic gold medalist; 2-time NHL All-Star; over 1000 games played.
Pavel Datsyuk[52] Detroit Red Wings 2-time Stanley Cup champion with the Red Wings; Olympic bronze medalist; 9-time NHL All Star; three-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner; over 1000 games played.
Pascal Dupuis[53] Pittsburgh Penguins 2-time Stanley Cup champion with the Penguins.
Scott Gomez[54] Ottawa Senators 2-time Stanley Cup champion with the New Jersey Devils; Calder Memorial Trophy winner; 1-time NHL All-Star; over 1000 games played.
Shawn Horcoff[55] Anaheim Ducks Over 1000 games played.
Barret Jackman[56] Nashville Predators Calder Memorial Trophy winner.
Vincent Lecavalier[57] Los Angeles Kings 1-time Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning; Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner; King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner; NHL Foundation Player Award; 4-time NHL All Star, over 1200 games played.
Travis Moen[58] Dallas Stars 1-time Stanley Cup champion with the Anaheim Ducks.
Brad Richards[59] Detroit Red Wings 2-time Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks; Lady Byng Trophy winner; Conn Smythe Trophy winner; 1-time NHL All-Star; over 1100 games played.

Major milestones reached

Uniforms

See also

References

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  2. ↑ Stubbs, Dave (March 31, 2016). "Woe Canada. No playoffs this year north of border". NHL. Retrieved June 5, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Bettman: Salary-cap projection for '15–16 around $73M, but, it only went up to $71.2m". NHL.com. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  4. ↑ "Toews, Blackhawks face tough reality of salary cap". NHL.com. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
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