NHL Awards Watch: Gauging the MVP race ahead of the playoffs

Greg Wyshynski, ESPNApr 5, 2024, 07:00 AM ET

CloseGreg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.

The final weeks of the NHL season could be absolutely chaotic, from determining playoff seeding to watching teams skate hard until their bubbles burst.

The final NHL Awards Watch of the season reveals similar uncertainty. Some races have razor-thin margins. Others could get there, as potential finalists close their seasons in style. The MVP race has a clear favorite — but how solid is his support?

Once again, what separates NHL Awards Watch apart is that these are the actual ballots from the actual awards voters. 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 from the entire 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
Longer shot: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy (leading goal scorer)

Current leader: Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
Watch out for: No one is catching Auston Matthews
Longer shot: Seriously, this race is over

Hart Trophy (MVP)

Leader: Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
Finalists: Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning; Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

According to our sample, Nathan MacKinnon is going to take home his first NHL most valuable players trophy.

The Avalanche star was first overall on nearly 77% of the ballots we surveyed, thanks to 127 points in 75 games this season. He’s likely to finish in the top 5 in goals…


Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/insider/story/_/id/39873630/nhl-awards-ranking-mvp-playoffs-ballots-hart-norris-calder-vezina-selke

Author : Greg Wyshynski

Publish date : 2024-04-05 10:54:04

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