NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Greg Wyshynski, ESPNMar 5, 2024, 07:00 AM ET
CloseGreg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.
The race for NHL most valuable player is remarkably contentious this season, as a half-dozen players have a legitimate claim to the Hart Trophy.
“I can’t lie, I’m struggling with this one. But I’m happy to be struggling because the Hart race is giving us more top-line entertainment than we’ve seen in years,” one voter said. “I also believe voters have a responsibility to struggle with these decisions and weigh every aspect.”
The struggle is real in the NHL Awards Watch for March, our monthly look at the awards races through the ballots of actual voters. Because some of these races are really, really close.
We’ve polled a wide selection of Professional Hockey Writers Association voters anonymously to get a sense of where the wind is blowing for the current leaders. We’ve made sure it’s a cross section of the league, trying to gain as many perspectives as possible.
Bear in mind that the PHWA votes for the Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke and Lady Byng finalists; broadcasters vote for the Jack Adams; and general managers handle the Vezina.
All stats are from Hockey-Reference.com, Natural Stat Trick and Evolving Hockey.
Jump ahead:
Ross | Richard | Hart
Norris | Selke | Vezina
Calder | Byng | Adams
Art Ross Trophy (points leader)
Current leader: Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning
Watch out for: Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
In the mix: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy (leading goal scorer)
Current leader: Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
Watch out for: Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers
In the mix: Zach Hyman, Edmonton Oilers
Hart Trophy (MVP)
Leader: Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning
Finalists: Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche; Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
We’ve had close MVP votes in the past. This one is different. Most Hart races are two-player affairs. The debates around this one have involved no fewer than six players: Kucherov, MacKinnon,…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/insider/story/_/id/39652227/nhl-awards-ranking-ballots-hart-norris-calder-vezina-selke
Author : Greg Wyshynski
Publish date : 2024-03-05 11:19:39
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
