Pastrnak: Hart Trophy should 'no question' go to Draisaitl

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl scored the most points during the shortened season and is getting a League MVP nod from one of his closest competitors. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Bruins' David Pastrnak: Hart Trophy should 'no question' go to Oilers Leon Draisaitl

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/15/20

Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak is pretty humble when it comes to discussing his many accomplishments, and that showed again on Monday during a conference call with the media.

The 2019-20 co-Rocket Richard winner discussed his Hart Trophy candidacy, and he wasn't shy about sharing his feelings about his competitors. In fact, Pastrnak doesn't believe he should win the Hart Trophy, but he did name the player he thinks will capture the award.

Pastrnak on his Hart Trophy candidacy:

"It's absolutely no question ... It's going to be and it should be Draisaitl."
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) June 15, 2020

Draisaitl is a popular pick for this year's MVP after leading the league with 110 points during a shortened season due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 24-year-old even proved his worth to the Oilers by performing at a high level during Connor McDavid's absence due to injury and helping to propel the team into the playoffs.

While Draisaitl is an obvious choice for the award, Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon may be up for the trophy as well as New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin. MacKinnon even named Panarin as his Hart Trophy winner because he "elevated his linemates game," among other things.

It's unclear when the NHL will hand out the awards as they're tentatively scheduled to begin the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the coming months, but voters have until Monday evening to submit their final ballots.

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