Media by Associated Press – Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid in action during an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
The race for the NHL’s top individual award doesn’t seem to have too much drama surrounding it as the season heads toward the end of the season. Edmonton’s Connor McDavid seems to be headed toward a third trophy and second in the last three seasons. However, things can happen throughout the grind of an 82-game schedule.
Here’s a look at the odds at this point and time.
Connor McDavid, -1000, Center, Edmonton Oilers
McDavid is well on his way to joining an exclusive club that includes former Pittsburgh Penguins great and current Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin by winning his third Hart Trophy. While McDavid still has a long way to go to catch Wayne Gretzky’s record of nine, he has the skill on offense to do so. This year, McDavid has scored an NHL-high 41 goals.
McDavid also leads the league in total points with 94 and is tied for second in the league with 53 assists. Barring an injury, McDavid should run away with the voting. The Oilers are likely to make the playoffs.
David Pastrnak, +1500, Right Wing, Boston Bruins
The Bruins have risen to the top of the NHL standings with a crushing defense. Boston has a plus-80 goal differential and has compiled a 39-8-5 record. Pastrnak has been a big reason for the Bruins’ success. Pastrnak is second in the NHL with 38 goals. He is also fourth in the league in points with 72.
Pastrnak also is tied for ninth in the league in plus/minus at plus-25.
Mikko Rantanen, +2500, Right Wing, Colorado Avalanche
The defending Stanley Cup champions have had a rough ride this season. Colorado is still fighting tooth and nail to get back into the postseason. The Avalanche have been able to count on a consistent performance from Rantanen.
Rantanen is fourth in league with 34 goals and has contributed 27 assists. He is 15th in the league in scoring. Unfortunately for Rantanen, his candidacy has been hampered by his team’s struggles. Rantanen would need a serious surge in personal numbers or team success to make a run at the trophy.
Nikita Kucherov, +2500, Right wing, Tampa Bay Lightning
Kucherov and the Lightning seem to once again be in the conservation to challenge for the Stanley Cup title. Making a fourth consecutive trip to the finals won’t be easy for Tampa Bay. The Lightning can count on Kucherov to be a playmaker.
He is the league leader in assists with 56. Kucherov is also second in the league in points with 76. What may hold Kucherov back in voting is that he’s only scored 20 goals. Kucherov and Tampa Bay are also stuck in Boston’s shadow. The Bruins have been so dominant it is unlikely that Boston can catch the Lightning in the standings.
Jason Robertson, +3000, Left Wing, Dallas Stars
Robertson is tied for sixth in the NHL in goals scored with 33. He also has 36 assists and is seventh in league with 69 points.
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