The NHL Season rolls on, but with the Christmas break only days away, its time to start looking at the top performers throughout the NHL so far. That also includes taking a look at the top five favorites for the 2020 NHL Hart Trophy. Which players are performing at an MVP level so far this season?
Connor McDavid – Oilers (+200)
Connor McDavid was just selected as a captain for the All-Star game, and for good reason as he has been one of the most productive players through the league this season. Through 39 games he has 21 goals and 40 assists which is good for 61 points. He has cooled off a bit so far through December with just 12 points, but McDavid remains atop the odds board for the Hart Memorial Trophy. He is the Oilers’ heartbeat and will have to continue to make plays if Edmonton wants to stay in the playoff race.
David Pastrnak – Bruins (+325)
Pastrnak is arguably the best player out of the Atlantic Divison so far this season, and he has been rewarded as such as he was named as team captain for the division in the All-Star Game. This marks his first time as Captain in the event and is just his second All-Star appearance. Pastrnak leads the NHL in goals with 28 on the season, adding 23 assists for 51 points on the year. He is the heart and soul of a very strong Bruins team, which has a real chance to make a return trip to the Stanley Cup Finals once again.
Nathan MacKinnon – Avalanche (+500)
Nathan MacKinnon was named the captain of the Central Divison for the 2020 NHL All-Star Game, marking the second consecutive season he has received that honor. MacKinnon was injured last season so he didn’t get to play. He is now a four-time all-star and sits third in the NHL with 53 points on 21 goals and 32 assists. The Avalanche has a tight hold on second place in the Central and will look to close in on the Blues once the calender switches to 2020.
Brad Marchand – Bruins (+500)
Not only does the Bruins have one contender for the Hart Trophy this season, but Brad Marchand also finds himself high up on the odds board. Marchand has tallied 51 points this season which has him tied with his teammate David Pastrnak for the team lead in points. With 18 goals and 33 assists, he is a great compliment to what Pastrnak has been able to do so far for Boston.
Patrick Kane – Blackhawks (+800)
Of the top five players with the best odds, Patrick Kane might already be out of the mix, as he plays for the Chicago Blackhawks who remain one of the worst teams in the NHL. Kane is right on the heels of the 50-point mark through 37 games. He has 46 points on 20 goals and 26 assists this season. History isn’t on his side, however, as 1988 was the last time the winner of the Hart was on a losing team when Mario Lemieux won the award. Only four times has a player from a losing team took home the prize. His numbers remain outstanding, given his team isn’t very good. Kane should remain in the conversation moving forward.
