Trophy Talk: Hart Memorial Trophy (Most Valuable Player)

The Hart Trophy probably draws more controversy than any other award in hockey. Writers, fans, & writers each defend their pick vehemently. For some, it's a matter of principle. Others a matter of math & logic. Either way, we have much to discuss.

Let's determining the meaning of Most Valuable Player first. To me it's simple, which individual has the greatest net-positive impact on his team's success. So the MVP must a) be on a successful team; a playoff team & b) have a disproportionately positive effect on the team's success. So which player has the greatest impact on his team's total success this season?

Candidates: Auston Matthews, Igor Shesterkin, Jonathan Huberdeau, Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, Johnny Gaudreau, Roman Josi, Frederik Andersen

These players generally round out the consensus' field of candidates. Each of these players are having extraordinary campaigns; Leon Draisaitl already has 50+ goals & he's not on the shortlist. Kind of crazy, in retrospect.

The Athletic released its collective Hart ballot the other day, link here:

Couple of notes: Igor Shesterkin isn't the highest goalie on this list & that is just nonsense. Johnny Gaudreau at #2 is not as crazy as you think. And Auston Matthews being #1 is correct.

Hart Trophy Winner: Auston Matthews; he is the biggest contributor to his team's success in the league. He scores more than anyone, and he's been one of the top defensive forwards this season. He's 2nd in takeaways, draws way more penalties than he takes, & scores a lot of goals. MVP.

Runner Up: Igor Shesterkin; he was the frontrunner for a while. Before a string of bad starts, he was posting a .940SV% and win rate of nearly 75%. The Rangers, without Shesterkin, would struggle to make the playoffs. He's an enormous reason for the NY Rangers' success this season, but not the biggest in the NHL in a stacked season.

Also-ran: Johnny Gaudreau; the Calgary Flames dominated all season with relentless forechecking pressure & a stingy defense. However, without top-tier offensive output Calgary would lost a lot of 2-1, 3-2 hockey games. Gaudreau gives them just that. He finishes at a higher rate than 88% of his peers & is in the top 1% in 5v5 primary assists. Seems good. He is absolutely worthy of consideration.

Honorable Mentions, in descending order:
- Connor McDavid
- Cale Makar
- Roman Josi

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