The 2025-26 NHL regular season is now on break for the Olympics, so it’s a great time to check on the NHL MVP odds.
The Hart Trophy is given to the most valuable player in the league. There are a few clear candidates, as the contenders have taken shape through the first half of the season.
Who will win NHL MVP honors this year? Let’s examine the latest betting odds before diving into a handful of potential candidates.
NHL MVP Odds 2026
We at The Game Day always track the latest NHL odds for the Hart Trophy:
For my betting tips, I’m using these NHL MVP lines that are current as of Wednesday, Feb. 11, from DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Nathan MacKinnon (-180)
- Macklin Celebrini (+230)
- Nikita Kucherov (+500)
- Connor McDavid (+700)
There are only four viable contenders for the Hart Trophy right now. The remaining players have odds of +20000 or longer.
2026 NHL MVP Prediction
Nathan MacKinnon (-180)
We all knew that Nathan MacKinnon could put up huge production, as seen with his 140 points in the 2023-24 season. So, it’s not surprising to see him with 40 goals and 93 points in only 55 games at the time of this article.
The Avalanche are by far the best team in the NHL this year, so this looks like MacKinnon’s year, especially with the Oilers not playing up to expectations.
Even though it’s a juiced price at -180, it’s hard to see MacKinnon not taking home the hardware this year.
2026 NHL MVP Favorites
Macklin Celebrini (+230)
Macklin Celebrini has been one of the biggest surprises in the NHL season, putting up 28 goals and 81 points in only 55 games in his age-19 season.
The Sharks came into the year expected to be one of the worst teams in the league, but they’re currently only five back of the final wild card spot, with one game in hand.
If San Jose can surprisingly get to the playoffs, Celebrini will have a chance at this award. However, you’re paying a premium at +230, making it a tough sell.
Nikita Kucherov (+500)
Nikita Kucherov looks like the best value on the board. The veteran winger is having a spectacular season for the Lightning, putting up 29 goals and 91 points in only 51 games.
The Lightning are only five points back of the Avalanche for the Presidents’ Trophy. If they can overtake Colorado, Kucherov will have a legit chance at this award.
After all, top defenseman Victor Hedman has missed time this year. Kucherov has absolutely carried this team.
2026 NHL MVP Sleeper Pick
Connor McDavid (+700)
Connor McDavid is the best player of this generation and could wind up as the greatest of all time when it’s all said and done.
Despite leading the league in points with 96 in 58 games, he’s priced at +700 to win the Hart Trophy.
That is because the Oilers are 28-22-8 at the time of this article. It’s been an underwhelming first half for them.
However, McDavid is a viable Hart Trophy sleeper because all he needs to do is continue to lead in scoring, with the Oilers overtaking the Golden Knights atop the Pacific Division.
