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Hart Trophy Chase: Solstice Update
A crowded field.
Welcome to the MVP Chase, where I look for, or chase, the best objective criteria in determining greatness without personal bias.
Today’s Topic: NHL MVP (Hart Trophy) Chase
Photo credit: Santeri Viinamäki
The MVP Chase’s core philosophy is that contributing to victories is the key to determining a team sports league’s most valuable player, and sets it apart from opinions about the “best” player.
For the NHL’s MVP Chase, I’m maintaining a points system. Add up a player’s total scoring and +/- in every victory and overtime loss.
This is our first update in nearly six weeks. As of the Winter Solstice (games played through December 20, 2022), we have a three-way race at the top, and then a crowded field in the running for fifth place. (Hart Trophy voters vote for five candidates, ranked). I’m listing all candidates who are close.
- Jason Robertson, Stars (19–8–6): 63 MVP Points
- Tage Thompson, Sabres (16–14–2) 61
- Connor McDavid Oilers (17–14–2) 60
- Auston Matthews, Maples Leafs, (20–7–6) 54
51 MVP Points
Kyle Connor, Jets (21–10–1)
