We’re past the quarter mark of the NHL season, and it seems like an appropriate time to look at the players leading the charge for the Hart Trophy, and how likely they are to continue their pace.
A skater has won the award for the last 8 seasons. Unless a goalie really goes gangbusters for the rest of the season, the winner will likely be a forward, as they tend to put up gaudier numbers than defensemen.
Jack Hughes to brother Luke Hughes…too easy pic.twitter.com/STIPR3zkA4
— Devils on MSG (@DevilsMSGN) December 1, 2023
Reigning winner Connor McDavid will be in the running every year, but a breakout star may be on the verge of dethroning the Edmonton Oilers star. There hasn’t been a back to back Hart Trophy winner since Alexander Ovechkin did it in the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 seasons.
Without further ado, here are the top 3 frontrunners thus far.
3. Connor McDavid, Center, Edmonton Oilers | 20 games, 28 points (8 goals, 21 assists)
The Oilers are in the midst of a terrible start to the season (9-12-1), but could easily turn things on as the season carries on. It might be tough for McDavid to take home this trophy again if the Oilers miss the playoffs, as voters typically value team success at least a little bit when electing the Hart winner.
If McDavid can get back to scoring at a rate like he did last year (153 points in 82 games), he has as good a shot as any to take home this trophy again. However, he may need to play exceptionally well to hold off one of the new candidates.
2. Elias Petterson, Centre, Vancouver Canucks | 24 games, 30 points (9 goals, 21 assists)
Could Petterson become the first Canucks player and Swede to win the award since Henrik Sedin did so in 2009-2010? If he can get past the 100 point mark again, he’s got a chance. As mentioned earlier, voters love the opportunity to give the award to a new player, and Petterson may be in position to take advantage.
The Vancouver Canucks have been one of the feel good stories of the season, with the 3rd best record (15-8-1) in the Western Conference. If they continue their strong play, we might have more of a reason for Petterson to win the award.
3. Jack Hughes, Centre, New Jersey Devils | 16 games, 29 points (8 goals, 21 assists)
Hughes has gone absolutely bananas this season, ranking 9th in league scoring despite missing 5 games due to injury. The Orlando, Florida native has been carrying the Devils, and appears poised to eclipse the 100 point plateau after reaching 99 last year.
Hughes winning this award would make it two American winners in three years, after Auston Matthews won it in 2021-2022. In what seems to be a wide open race, Hughes may be leading the charge.