Early favorites to win Hart who aren't McDavid

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon. Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Early favorites to win Hart Trophy who aren't Connor McDavid

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 9/25/23

It's no surprise that Connor McDavid is the preseason favorite at DraftKings to win the Hart Trophy. The Edmonton Oilers captain has won the award for being the league's MVP three times since making his NHL debut in October of 2015.

He's coming off of a 2022-23 campaign where he led the league in goals (64) and points (153). He isn't showing any signs of slowing down, either, as he tries to take the Oilers to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2006.

But McDavid won't be shooting for the Hart Trophy uncontested. And there are a few candidates with favorable preseason odds who could really beat him for MVP honors this season.

THIS DATE IN 2020: @EdmontonOilers forward Leon Draisaitl (43-67—110 in 71 GP) becomes the first German-born player to win the Hart Trophy. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/Tx1ohFRTGm
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) September 21, 2023

Following McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon is the favorite at DK to win the Hart Trophy at 9-1 odds. The speedy forward has been a Hart hopeful his entire career, even as he won the Calder Trophy for best rookie in 2014.

But the Hart has eluded the Colorado Avalanche center, who has only played three full seasons in his decade-long NHL career due to injuries. MacKinnon is coming off of another high-scoring campaign, however, as he ranked fifth in the league with 11 total points (42 goals, 69 assists).

It's no surprise that Leon Draisaitl follows MacKinnon at 10-1 odds. McDavid's teammate became the first German-born player to win the Hart Trophy when he received the honor in 2020.

He ranked second in the league only to McDavid in points last season (128) and remains one of the biggest threats on the ice regardless of conference.

Other Hart hopefuls with good odds include Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, who is currently listed at 12-1. Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews and Minnesota Wild standout Kirill Kaprizov are both listed at 16-1 odds, while Jack Hughes — who is projected to have a huge year for the New Jersey Devils — is listed at 18-1.

Check out Yardbarker's betting hub for more previews, predictions, news and analysis.

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