MacKinnon explains why the Hart Trophy is no longer high on his must-have list

There's no question the Hart Memorial Trophy is a prestigious award in the world of hockey. Given annually to the player deemed to be most valuable to his team, the award can sometimes carry as much controversy as it does prestige, though. Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche had previously stated it's an award he would really like to win at some point in his career, but during the NHL Player's Media Tour, MacKinnon indicated it's not as important to him as it once was.

"There was a time when I cared about it a lot, but I realize I can't put my faith in how 'Jimmy from Philly' or whoever votes," MacKinnon told reporters.

That's an obvious knock on how the winner of the award is determined. It's voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writer's Association. While there's no doubt some won't let their geographical biases get in the way, it leaves room for doubts over whether everyone does.

The last five winners of the award starting in 2018 have been Taylor Hall, Nikita Kucherov, Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Auston Matthews.

MUST READ

5 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Unforeseen Events Nearly Force Toronto Maple Leafs vs Utah Hockey Club Game to be Postponed

6 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks NHL Department of Player Safety Makes Official Ruling On Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes

7 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Canadian Team Unexpectedly Places 6-Foot-3 Enforcer on the NHL Waiver Wire

8 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Elliotte Friedman Hints at Trade of 30 Million Dollar Defenseman to Canadian Team

10 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch 900-Game NHL Veteran Likely to Retire After Refusing to Sign With Canadian Team

11 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Addresses Struggling Player Nick Robertson in New Interview

13 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Terrifying Scene for Carolina Hurricanes Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov as He Blacks Out on the Ice

Nov 23  |  By Tom Banks Angry John Tortorella Calls Out One Flyers Player: Trade is Likely Per Elliotte Friedman

MORE STORIES