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With the new season well underway, it's time to take the first look around the pond and hand out some pre-emptive awards based on a single week's worth of play.

HART MEMORIAL: Alexander Ovechkin
Surprised? You shouldn't be. After scoring an astounding 21-points in 14 playoff games last spring, Ovechkin has showed that same intensity and hunger to rip back into the playoffs-- notching 9 points and 5 goals in only 4 games already. Not only that, but reports suggest Ovechkin is almost 15 pounds heavier than before-- which will pay off big time for the Washington Capitals.

ROCKET RICHARD: Mike Richards
If you thought two major shoulder surgeries could stop Mike Richards from scoring, hitting, contributing or just flat out playing, you were dead wrong. But so was I. With an impressive 3-goals against the Washington Capitals earlier this week, Richards set the tone early against last year's Rocket Richard winner, Alex Ovechkin by scoring all 3 goals in the 2nd period.

VEZINA TROPHY: Ilya Bryzgalov
It's impressive enough that a Coyotes player actually managed to get recognition, but even more so because of the fact it's their goaltender. But give Bryz some credit; after shutting the door against Los Angeles in the season opener, the Bryz earned a shutout against the defending Stanley Cup champions and stoned Sidney Crosby as well as Evgeni Malkin. It's pretty improbable that the Coyotes will continue with this winning streak, but they have full credit to enjoy it while it lasts.

NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY: Andrei Markov
In Montreal, Andrei Markov is a leading candidate for the Norris Memorial Trophy by sitting in the infirmary. The Canadiens feigned capability against Calgary earlier in the week, but were picked apart cleanly by the Vancouver Canucks in a 7-1 effort that screamed for #79.

LESTER B PEARSON MEMORIAL TROPHY: Ilya Kovalchuk
Entering the final year of his current contract means a great season ahead for Kovalchuk and he's showing it early. Kovy puts as much fear in the hearts of goaltenders as any sniper in the league-- his 23 goals in the second half of the season last year was behind only Ovechkin's 25. With 4 goals in 2 games including an assist, Kovalchuk is intent on proving the Thrashers are on the rise, and Atlanta will rise and fall with him.

FRANK J SELKE TROPHY: Eric Nystrom
For a player that's averaging only 9 minutes a game, it tells you a lot of Nystrom's playing ability when he already has 3 points in 4 games with an astounding +6 rating to lead the league. While the Calgary Flames have been enjoying even scoring throughout the lineup, Nystrom's main assignment is to shut opposing forwards down and he's been doing just that. The 26-year old was drafted 10th overall in 2002 for his antagonizing skill, and they're on full display early this year.

LADY BYNG TROPHY: Anze Kopitar
Anze who? Oh yeah! That guy playing for the... Hartford Whalers? It's easy to forget about Anze Kopitar and the often laughable Los Angeles Kings, but many have been predicting a breakout year from King Kopitar. So far, all signs are good. With 8 points through 3 games and an accumulated penalty minute total of 0, it seems Kopitar has finally elevated his game to the level of franchise player; a bargain for a 6'4, 221-pound player who can dangle like Datsyuk but also hit like Byfuglien.

BILL MASTERSON MEMORIAL TROPHY: Paul Kariya
Many thought this might have been the last year for Paul Kariya. After all, the 2008/2009 season was pretty much a washout after being limited to only 11 games due to various injuries. But two major hip surgeries later and an entire year of therapy, the speedster is hardly showing his age nor his wear. Kariya has been an integral part of the Blues' early success this year with 4 points in 3 games, and St. Louis management is hoping the return of he and Erik Johnson into the lineup this year will solidify another playoff spot and prevent another 4-game sweep next spring. The Burnaby-native will turn 35 later this month.

It's completely foolish to expect any of these very, very, very early predictions will stand even as late as tomorrow evening, but there have been a lot of stories thus far into the NHL season.. And a lot more are sure to come ahead.