The Hart Trophy, presented to the player who contributes the most to his team, has long been a source of contention among fans and journalists.
This year’s race is vast available following the All-Star break, with three previous champions on this list.
Goaltenders have historically been overlooked for this honor, although many deserve it. As a result, we’re going to concentrate only on skaters today:
Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin
Ovechkin, 36, demonstrates that age is only a number, now ranking seventh in league with 29 goals and 59 pinpoints in 47 games.
Ovechkin has aided them in overcoming subpar goaltending, and despite recent troubles, they remain comfortably in a playoff berth.
Ovechkin, a three-time Hart Trophy winner, has achieved this accomplishment despite Nicklas Backstrom’s 14-game absence and TJ Oshie’s 18-game absence.
Ovechkin leads the league with 21 even-strength goals and is tied for the most even-strength points with 44 with Johnny Gaudreau. Additionally, he is second in the league in scoring opportunities and first in shot attempts, further bolstering his case.
Ovechkin is not the Hart choice on most betting assistance, but question him at your peril at this juncture in his career.
Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid
McDavid, widely considered the world’s finest player, faces the danger of voter fatigue. The 25-year-old, who is in his sixth NHL season, has won the Hart twice and finished in the top five in voting three previous times.
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Oh, the anguish of striving to be the best. McDavid is lashed for third in the league in slashing with 61 points in 43 games, a pace that is higher than his career average of 1.46 points per game.
McDavid leads the NHL in on-ice projected goals, but the Oilers dominate possession, scoring chances, and goals while McDavid is on the ice.
Auston Matthews – Maple Leafs, Toronto
Over the last two seasons, the 2021 Rocket Richard Trophy winner has developed into a quality two-way player and secured his place in the Hart debate.
Perhaps the league’s top pure goal scorer, Matthews, is third with 31 goals, 12 more than the next closest Maple Leaf.
Matthews has generated a league-high 221 individual scoring opportunities in all scenarios, 42 more than Ovechkin, who is in second place.
The 24-year-old has shown the potential to take over games, with his teammates generating 66% of scoring opportunities while he is on the ice.
Edmonton Oilers Leon Draisaitl
Whatever happens in Edmonton, it’s difficult to dismiss Draisaitl’s offensive productivity in all facets of the game.
The 26-year-old averaged 1.5 points per game (first among players who have played at least 20 games) and is second in league with 64 points in 44 games.
Draisaitl leads all forwards in average ice time, averaging 22:53 per game, and is one of the NHL’s most lethal special teams performers. Draisaitl’s offensive effect is seen by his 62.8 percent on-ice projected goals percentage.
Draisaitl, who is sometimes referred to as a set-up man, ranks second in league with 32 goals, 18 of which came at even strength, and a league-high eight of which were game-winners.
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It’s not easy being McDavid’s No. 2, but he’s No. 1 in Edmonton in terms of points.
Jonathan Huberdeau – Panthers de Florida
Huberdeau, one of the league’s most modest players, has inserted himself into the Hart race by leading the league in assists (47) and points (64) reaching out of the break.
The 28-year-old is bound for the league leader with 28 direct assists and is third in even-strength points with Ovechkin and Gaudreau.
The product of Saint-Jerome, Quebec, is an excellent playmaker. His ability to generate chances for himself and his team partners pushes him one of the league’s most useful players.