While the Vezina is a little more structured in what people may be looking for in a candidate, the Hart is almost the exact opposite. The Hart Trophy is described as the MVP, but at times it is solely awarded to the best scorer in the league. Sometimes an amalgamation of the Art Ross and Hart seem to just form one trophy, but I am here to let you know that won’t be happening this year.
The Leaders
Patrick Kane
Kane is going to have himself one of the most interesting seasons in recent memory. His play on the ice has been outstanding thus far as he has 37 points on the season through 24 games which is a startling 1.54 point per game pace. Off the ice this past offseason he found himself in some hot water which may automatically turn voters away. If he keeps up this pace though I don’t think anyone would be able to deny him the trophy. As the Blackhawks go, so does Patrick Kane which for better or for worse is at the top of the league.
Tyler Seguin
The best young player in the league.
It is a title that Seguin now claims and does so without much competition.
He is one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the game. What makes it all the more startling is that he was traded from the Boston Bruins, which is a move they still have to be kicking themselves about. Seguin has 34 points on the season and is a point behind his teammate Benn. Benn is also a contender but he is shooting at a rate that may not be sustainable. Seguin on the other hand is playing right within his wheelhouse and will continue to play at this clip. The scariest part for other players in the league is that he will only get better. If anyone can challenge Kane this season it is definitely him.
Dark Horse
John Tavares
The Metro division may have the most star power in the entire league and John Tavares may be the most under-appreciated star in it. He isn’t setting the league on fire at the moment, only scoring 21 points in 22 games, but a young Islanders team needs its focal point and Tavares is just that person. He contended for both the Hart and Art Ross trophy last year in what turned out to be a down year for scoring leaders, but he may just be able to compete for both again. The Islanders are going to be perennial contenders for years to come and don’t need Tavares to be their saving grace. It is just a good to know that Tavares can be there as a possible savior.
