NHL Hart Trophy rankings Four-horse race down the final straigh
One of the best Hart Trophy races in recent memory has rounded the final straight, with four contenders battling for the most lionized regular-season individual honor. Connor McDavid is intent on winning his fourth MVP, while Nikita Kucherov and Nathan MacKinnon are pursuing their second Hart Trophy. And then theres 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini, focused on being anointed in his second NHL season. 4. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers According to the sportsbooks Jaxson Hayes Jersey , No. 97 is the least likely to capture the Hart Trophy. Thats despite leading the league in points (128) and power-play points (49). There are reasons for his slightly diminished win probability: The have been plagued by inconsistency, so much so that they only recently put together a five-game winning streak, their first run of more than three games. McDavid also lags behind MacKinnon and Kucherov in even-strength production. Voter fatigue will likely play a role, as the Oilers captain has won twice in the last five seasons. That said, nobody would bat an eye if he snatches his fourth Hart Trophy. Unfortunately for Oilers fans, I dont see it happening. MORE : 3. Macklin Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks If the make the playoffs, give this teenager the award. If Celebrini wins the Hart Trophy, hed follow in Sidney Crosby and McDavids footsteps by securing the honor in his sophomore season. And as its a narrative-based award, voted on by the Profe sional Hockey Writers A sociation (PHWA), Celebrini has a better chance than his odds suggest. The Sharks would be dead in the water without their teenage phenom. Just look at their ghastly 2-16-3 record when Celebrini doesnt score a point. Need more evidence? How about the fact that he has 52 points more than the second-leading scorer, Will Smith? MORE : 2. Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning If the Sharks dont secure a playoff spot, give this man the Hart Trophy. Kucherov has enjoyed a season that 99 percent of NHLers can only fantasize about. Hes battling McDavid for the Art Ro s Trophy despite playing six fewer games. The silky smooth Ru sian has the most points per game (1.76) and is 41 points up on Jake Guentzel, the teams second-leading scorer. He also has seven game-winning goals, tied for the most of the contenders with MacKinnon. And hes only been kept off the scoresheet eight times in the 58 games since Nov. 15. MORE : 1. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche While MacKinnon has been in pole position for most of the season, his lead has almost completely evaporated. The megastar leads the league in goals (51), even-strength goals (40), and even-strength points (94). If he wins for the second time, his even-strength dominance will be the primary reason. Despite the recent improvement, Colorados power play remains in the bottom 10, sporting a startlingly low 17.6% rate of efficiency. Leading his team to the Presidents Trophy, a near certainty, should also help MacKinnons case. More NHL News Alfred Collins Jersey