Hart Trophy Chase: Solstice Update

 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.

1. Jason Robertson, Stars (19-8-6): 63 MVP Points

2. Tage Thompson, Sabres (16-14-2) 61 

3. Connor McDavid Oilers, (17-14-2): 60

4. Auston Matthews, Maples Leafs, (20-7-6): 54

51 MVP Points

Kyle Connor, Jets (21-10-1)

Sidney Crosby, Penguins (19-9-4)

Leon Draisaitl, Oilers (17-14-2)

Roope Hintz, Stars (19-8-6) 

Josh Morrissey, Jets (21-10-1)

50 MVP Points

Jack Hughes, Devils (21-9-2)

David Pastrnak, Bruins, (25-4-2)

Joe Pavelski, Stars, (19-8-6)

Jeff Skinner, Sabres (16-14-2)

49 MVP Points

Nikita Kucherov, Lightning (20-10-1)

Mika Zibanejad, Rangers (18-11-5)

Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres (16-14-2)

Hampus Lindholm, Bruins (25-4-2)  

James Leroy Wilson writes The MVP Chase (subscribe), JL Cells (subscribe), Daily Miracles (subscribe), and The Daily Bible Chapter (subscribe). Thanks for your subscriptions and support! You may contact James for your writing, editing, and research needs: jamesleroywilson-at-gmail.com.