New Jersey Devils: Comparing Jack Hughes To Other Hart Trophy Candidates

Connor McDavid – Edmonton Oilers
Odds: -450

Yeah, duh. Connor McDavid is having a ridiculous season. He is 18 points away from 100 points. It’s January 15th. There’s a reason he’s -450. For those who don’t know how ridiculous of a favorite this is, bettors would have to wager $450 just to win $100. McDavid has better odds of winning MVP than the Jets have to beat the Arizona Coyotes at home on Sunday night.

Still, the MVP/Hart Trophy voting is all about narrative. Taylor Hall won the MVP, not because people thought he was the best player in the league. He won because he was the most important player in the league. The Devils weren’t coming close to a playoff berth that season. The same goes for McDavid. Without the best player in the league, the Oilers would be in the league basement. Yes, even with Leon Draisaitl.

However, narratives can change. Old school NHL voters still value power play points, of which McDavid has 41, one more than his 5v5 points. New NHL voters do not. McDavid only has three more even strength points than Hughes. Also, if the Oilers continue to struggle to keep playoff positioning (they are currently on the outside looking in and the Colorado Avalanche are still not healthy), voters may be looking elsewhere.

McDavid deserves to be the MVP favorite. Some would be crazy to put their money on anyone else, but the oddsmakers made it incredibly enticing with Hughes at 60/1. Hughes has about 40 more games to change minds, and we believe he will.