The Colorado Avalanche are still ensconced in their bye-week. Nathan MacKinnin is having a self-proclaimed good time representing the team at the All Star weekend, but he’s sure to head off on his own vacation right after.
Meanwhile, the Avs have made news in other ways. Specifically, the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA) has taken a mid-season vote for NHL awards, and Avs players have figured in their tallies.
Leaving awards in the hands of writers — or other independent entities really — is a difficult call. Writers aren’t necessarily experts in the field of ice hockey.