We’re through the unofficial halfway point of the NHL season, and there’s a clear favorite to win league MVP.
Here’s a look at the race for the 2023 Hart Trophy, which is annually given to the NHL’s most valuable player.
NHL MVP Hart Trophy Odds 2023
Here are the betting favorites to win the 2023 Hart Trophy as of Monday, Feb. 13, 2022. (Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers (-1000)
- David Pastrňák, RW, Boston Bruins (+1500)
- Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning (+2500)
- Mikko Rantanen, LW, Colorado Avalanche (+2500)
- Jack Hughes, C, New Jersey Devils (+3000)
- Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas Stars (+3000)
Connor McDavid was the preseason favorite and is the prohibitive favorite. The Oilers captain is lapping the field offensively, leading the league in both goals and points through the All-Star break.
Everyone seems to be playing for second, but there still are deserving talents to join McDavid as finalists for the award. David Pastrňák has been the best offensive player for the best team in the NHL, the Boston Bruins, and it hasn’t really been close.
- Read our NHL best bets
Mikko Rantanen would be a great Hart Trophy candidate in any other year since he has been one of the only Avalanche players to stay healthy all season and is leading them in points.
Plus, Jack Hughes has been the catalyst for the New Jersey Devils’ renaissance season and leads them in goals and points, scoring important goals for them as well.
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2023 NHL MVP Futures Prediction
Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers (-1000)
The only thing that can stop McDavid at this point is a devastating injury. He is a foregone conclusion at this point. Some sportsbooks aren’t even taking MVP odds any longer because it’s not worth it.
If you’re feeling so compelled to win $0.10 per dollar wagered, take McDavid, because he’s going to win his third Hart Trophy.
2023 Hart Trophy Sleepers
David Pastrňák, RW, Boston Bruins (+1500)
Pastrňák stands to be the Bruins’ candidate as the cause of one of the most dominant seasons in NHL history.
He would be the odds-on favorite in any other year considering how kind history has been to star forwards on elite teams. See Nikita Kucherov winning his Hart Trophy after leading Tampa Bay to a 62-win, 128-point season.
Pastrňák may be worth a sprinkle in case McDavid gets banged up. But keep your bets small.
Mikko Rantanen, LW, Colorado Avalanche (+2500)
Rantanen has been the Avalanche’s leading scorer all season and was one of the few Colorado players, and its only star, to not miss a game through the season’s unofficial first half.
Again, bets must be small given the likelihood of McDavid winning. But Rantanen, like Pastrňák, has put himself in consideration to be a finalist and alternate candidate if something happens to McDavid.
Jack Hughes, C, New Jersey Devils (+3000)
Hughes would also make a fascinating case in other seasons. The still-only 21-year-old is headlining New Jersey’s resurgent season, where they are almost a shoo-in to reach the postseason at this point.
Hughes missed time in February with an injury, which damaged an already-fraught case. But he could very well be a Hart finalist.
