The NHL MVP Chase begins!

The Top Ten

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

NHL teams have played 12–15 games so far this season, and it’s time to see how the MVP Chase is developing.

The purpose of the MVP Chase in all sports is to emphasize contributions to winning as opposed to impressive overall statistics. A 3-goal game in a loss won’t help a player’s MVP chances (unless it’s an overtime loss, because teams get a point in the standings for OT losses).

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. For example, in eight Oiler victories (the Oilers have no OT losses), Connor McDavid has scored 22 points and has a +/- of 6. He therefore has 28 MVP points.

Here is the Top Ten list (actually Eleven due to a tie) of MVP Chase point leaders through November 10, 2022.

1. (tie) Jack Eichel, Knights (13–2), 31 MVP Chase points

1. (tie) Nico Hischier (11–3), Devils, 31

3. Hampus Lindholm, Bruins (12–2), 29