New Jersey Devils: Comparing Jack Hughes To Other Hart Trophy Candidates
By Nick Villano
Jason Robertson – Dallas Stars
Odds: 20/1
Even though Tage Thompson is having such a ridiculous season with the Sabres, and voters love a player who jumps into the MVP race seemingly out of nowhere, his status as a playoff tweener makes Hughes the better candidate. That’s not the case for Jason Robertson. The former second-round pick in the NHL Draft has lifted the Dallas Stars to the top of the Central Division with the Winnipeg Jets.
Robertson is fourth in the league with 60 points, six points ahead of Hughes at all strengths. He’s two points behind Hughes in even strength points.
Despite the similar stats, Hughes and Robertson play a completely different style. Hughes is second in the league with 24 rush attempts at 5v5. Robertson has two this season. However, that hasn’t stopped Robertson from getting a ridiculous amount of high-danger chances, besting Hughes by two (55 to 53 at even strength).
Robertson has been one of the best players in the league, but his real case is he’s been one of the most clutch players in the league. He’s fourth in the league with 24 high-danger chances when his team is trailing. He is forcing his team to be one of the best in the league. Robertson has been phenomenal this season, just like Hughes. Expect him to stay in the race all season.