NHL Awards: Edmonton’s Connor McDavid Wins His Third Hart Trophy in Eight Seasons

The NHL awarded Oilers center Connor McDavid his third Hart Trophy making him the league’s MVP. The 26-year-old also won his fourth player associations’ Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player) and the NHL’s Art Ross Trophy (most points). While it was expected, it also sets McDavid up to surpass names like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux in terms of award’s won.

Below we are breaking down how McDavid captured his third Hart Trophy and how hockey betting sites view his chances to repeat next season.

Connor McDavid further cemented himself as a generational player last season. The center led the league in both goals (64) and assists (89) and finished with the most points in the league (153), which was 25 more than the second-place Leon Draisaitl. McDavid’s point total was the fifteenth highest in NHL history, behind several incredible seasons from Gretzky and Lemieux.

McDavid’s speed is a big reason for his success, and it has led to many highlight reel goals. The combination of offensive production and the exciting style of McDavid’s play makes him very difficult to beat out for the league’s top awards.

On top of the impressive stats, McDavid has also helped the Oilers contend with the league’s top teams despite a roster that leaves much to be desired. His ability to generate offense helps elevate the entire team and led Edmonton to the West’s three seed in last season’s playoffs. The teams lack of depth cost them a shot at the Stanley Cup, but McDavid added eight goals and 12 assists across 12 games.

US Sportsbooks have turned their attention to next year’s award winners, and they love McDavid’s chances to repeat as the league’s MVP. It’s hardly surprising given his elite play, but he will have plenty of competition. Below are the players with the top three best odds to win the 2023-24 Hart Trophy according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

Connor McDavid – C Edmonton Oilers +125

Bookmakers have already installed McDavid as a heavy favorite to repeat as the Hart Trophy winner next season.  That is because he has established himself as one of the greatest players in history and is still just 26 years old. Barring a significant injury to the star, it is hard to imagine another player matching McDavid’s production and overall value. 

Nathan MacKinnon – C Colorado Avalanche +850

If there is one player with a chance to overtake McDavid as the MVP, it is Colorado Avalanche center Nathan Mackinnon. He 27-year-old missed some time with injury last season but still put up the best point total of his career. MacKinnon also has the advantage of playing for the Avs, who were sidetracked by injury last season but is expected to be a top contender next season.  If MacKinnon can build on his goal total, he could add a second Hart Trophy to his mantle.

Leon Draisaitl – C Edmonton Oilers/Matthew Tkachuk - LW Florida Panthers +1000

No one has benefited more from McDavid’s play than teammate Leon Draisaitl. The center was second in the league in points thanks to finishing fourth in goals (52) and third in assists (76). While it is hard to see him winning the award over McDavid, he should be in for another statistically impressive season. If McDavid is injured or limited during the season, Draisaitl will get more of the spotlight and could make an impressive case to win his second Hart Trophy.

Assuming he can recover from his broken sternum, Matthew Tkachuk may be the top long shot to win next season’s Hart trophy. The 25-year-old Panther carried his team to the NHL Stanley Cup Final after finishing sixth in the league in points. He will only be getting better from here, making Tkachuk a tempting bet at +1000.