Off, it’s time to check in for another Awards Watch. While there hasn’t been a whole lot of change in the new year, especially at the top, it’s still worthwhile to see how the contenders are progressing — and whether any challengers have emerged.

Canada star defenseman Cale Makar voiced a very strong statement after missing his team's crucial game against Team USA, sending a clear message to head coach Jon Cooper, Sidney Crosby, and the rest of the locker room.

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa) United States goalie Connor Hellebuyck, left ... (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Canada’s Cale Makar (8) tries to clear the puck away from Finland’s Joel Armia (40) during the second period of a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game ...

Cale Makar shared his excitement about playing for Team Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off. He posted pictures of himself donning the red Team Canada jersey with the iconic Maple Leaf logo.

Canada had a tough time scoring in their 4 Nations Face-Off round robin game against the United States last Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal. Despite generating 30 scoring chances, including 16 high-danger chances,

Canada beat the United States 3-2 in overtime Thursday night to win the 4 Nations Face-Off. Highlights from the game:

The Jets goaltender came into the championship game having allowed just two goals in the two games he appeared in. Hellebuyck made 24 saves in the defeat and came close to becoming the first goaltender since Mike Richter in 1996 to lead the USA to victory at a best-on-best event.

After missing Canada's game against the United State, superstar defenseman Cale Makar pledging to do all he can to play against Finland

Canada defenceman Cale Makar discusses his status ahead ... You saw the goal they scored (Wednesday) night." • Connor Hellebuyck’s save percentage against the best shooters Canada and Finland ...

Think the 4 Nations Face-off was a meaningless exhibition? Ask the players from Team Canada and Team USA who fought for it.

The Colorado Avalanche trio of Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Devon Toews had ... United States goalie Connor Hellebuyck, left, gives up a goal to Canada's Nathan MacKinnon, as Canada's Sidney ...