The NHL doesn’t need to rename awards – but what about adding new ones?

As one of the NHL’s greatest records is broken, some wonder if renaming some of its awards to more modern names might be something the league pursues.

With Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal-scoring record, scoring the 895th goal of his illustrious career on Sunday, some believe they should change the name of the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, which annually goes to the league’s leading goal-scorer, to Ovechkin.

While I understand the sentiment, it would be wrong to diminish the legacy of some of the names that have laid the foundation for both legends of yesteryear and stars of today. Instead, maybe looking at the addition of new awards, honoring former greats for a specific skillset – defensive defenseman, assists leader, etc.

On Monday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Matt Larkin explains why changing the titles of current trophies wouldn’t be the best idea, but creating new awards would be something fun.

Matt Larkin: I would not change it because I think Rocket Richard was first to get [50 goals in 50 games]. I think his legacy is as a goal scorer. It still stands. But I want a Wayne Gretzky Award for the league leader in assists. Why can we not get that? … I’ve checked in with the NHL multiple times over the years finding out if they’re willing to do it, and there’s no appetite. Why can’t you have a Gretzky for the assist winner every year? Leave the Rocket Richard as is. Give me a Gretzky.

Tyler Yaremchuk: I’m with you on leaving the Rocket Richard as it is, because I think it’s a great nod to the OGs, the history of the game. I think that’s a nice thing to have for some awards. I don’t agree with the whole like, “Oh, you got to change this sword to the Patrice Bergeron.” It’s like, no, that’s not really like what it’s meant to be.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…