NHL Records: The Legends of the Hart Memorial Trophy

In the long, storied history of the NHL, one individual award—arguably—carries more weight than any other: the Hart Memorial Trophy (Hart Trophy). Given annually to the player deemed “most valuable to his team”, it has served as the ultimate yardstick for hockey greatness since 1924. While many stars have captured it once, only a rare circle of legends have won three or more times.

• Cool Fact: The Hart Memorial Trophy is named in honour of Canadian Dr. David Hart (the person who donated the original trophy to the NHL).

The Great One’s Unmatched Streak

When you look at the record books, Wayne Gretzky holds a standard that may never be eclipsed. "The Great One" captured the Hart Trophy an incredible nine times. His dominance was so absolute that he won the award eight years in a row (1980–1987) with the Edmonton Oilers, before adding a ninth in 1989 after his high-profile move to the Los Angeles Kings.

The Engines of the Game: A Look at Hockey’s Multi-MVP Elite

While Wayne Gretzky has won the most Hart Trophies, other NHL legends have earned this prestigious trophy multiple times. Gordie Howe, famously known as "Mr. Hockey," earned the Hart Trophy six times during his legendary tenure with the Detroit Red Wings. Close behind him is Eddie Shore, a powerhouse defenseman from the 1930s who won the Hart Trophy four times.

• Cool Fact: There have been two unanimous Hart Trophy wins, both with the Edmonton Oilers: Wayne Gretzky (1981–82) and Connor McDavid (2020–21).

The list of three-time Hart Trophy winners reads like a "Who’s Who" of hockey history. NHL star forward Howie Morenz, defensive pioneer Bobby Orr, and Flyers leader Bobby Clarke all hit this milestone. NHL superstars Mario Lemieux, Alex Ovechkin, and Connor McDavid have earned their way into this exclusive club, too. These players weren't just the faces of their franchises; they were the absolute engines behind them. When they were on the ice, the entire energy of the building shifted.

Hart Trophy: The Heartbeat of the Sport

Winning the Hart Trophy once is a career-defining moment for any NHL star, but hitting that peak three or more times is a different level of excellence entirely. It’s the difference between having a legendary season and being a legendary force.