Who's got Hart? AP picks the NHL MVP and other top awards as the playoffs arrive

For a third consecutive year, there is no clear choice for the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, and again the debate over the importance of “valuable” comes into play. Edmonton’s Connor McDavid is on track to win the scoring race for the most points and the Art Ross Trophy, while Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon has the inside track for the league lead in goals. Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov is more than 40 points clear of his next-closest teammate and could be a Hart finalist for a second consecutive year.

As the NHL playoffs arrive, the race for the Hart Trophy as league MVP is once again wide open, marking the third straight year without a clear-cut favorite. The debate over what truly makes a player "valuable" is heating up, with several superstars making compelling cases.

Edmonton's Connor McDavid is poised to capture the Art Ross Trophy as the league's scoring champion, while Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon is leading the charge for the goal-scoring title. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov has put up a staggering season, outpacing his nearest teammate by over 40 points, positioning himself for back-to-back Hart finalist nominations.

Here’s a look at the predictions for the major awards from AP Hockey Writers John Wawrow and Stephen Whyno:

Hart Trophy (MVP)
BetMGM Sportsbook favorite: Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado

Wawrow makes the case for Nikita Kucherov. He argues that while McDavid and MacKinnon are undeniable talents, Kucherov's performance was pivotal for a Lightning team that weathered significant roster changes and injuries in a turbulent Atlantic Division.

Whyno leans toward Connor McDavid. He acknowledges Kucherov's value but highlights how McDavid single-handedly carried the Oilers' offense down the critical stretch after Leon Draisaitl's injury, solidifying his case for a fourth MVP award.

Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender)
BetMGM Sportsbook favorite: Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay

Both writers are in lockstep here, selecting Vasilevskiy. Wawrow points to the stats: leading the league in wins with elite goals-against and save percentages among goalies with 50+ games. Whyno adds context, noting Vasilevskiy's unique blend of a heavy workload and consistent excellence, a key reason the Lightning remain perennial contenders.

Norris Trophy (Top Defenseman)
BetMGM Sportsbook favorite: Zach Werenski, Columbus

Wawrow breaks from the favorite, choosing Colorado's dynamic Cale Makar. He suggests that if the Blue Jackets clinch a playoff spot, Werenski would have a strong argument in a field crowded with elite talent like Buffalo's Rasmus Dahlin and Minnesota's Quinn Hughes.

Who's got Hart? AP picks the NHL MVP and other top awards as the playoffs arrive

Who's got Hart? AP picks the NHL MVP and other top awards as the playoffs arrive