It’s been a monumental week for the Colorado Avalanche, and the timing couldn’t be better. As the team enjoys a three-day breather before their second-round playoff clash with Minnesota on Saturday, the NHL has been rolling out its annual award finalists—and two Avs stars are in the spotlight.

First up, a bit of a surprise: Brock Nelson has been nominated for the Frank J. Selke Trophy. The Selke, awarded to the forward who excels best in defensive aspects of the game, might seem like an unexpected nod for a player who put up 33 goals and 65 points this season. But Nelson’s two-way game on the league-leading Avalanche squad has clearly caught voters’ attention, proving that elite offense and defensive responsibility can go hand in hand.

Then came the announcement for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, honoring the NHL’s top defenseman. And as expected, Cale Makar is once again a finalist. This marks his sixth consecutive nomination in just seven NHL seasons—a remarkable streak that underscores his dominance. By his own lofty standards, it was a slightly down year: Makar netted 20 goals and 79 points, with power-play struggles denting his usual scoring pace. Still, his all-around brilliance remains undeniable, and the nomination streak speaks volumes about his consistency.

While both honors are well-deserved, the odds aren’t in Colorado’s favor this time around. Nick Suzuki is the heavy favorite for the Selke, and Zach Werenski leads the pack for the Norris. But for the Avalanche, individual hardware is just a bonus. The team has its eyes locked on a much bigger prize—the Stanley Cup. And with players like Makar and Nelson leading the charge, that trophy case might need some extra space soon.