The 2023 Hart Trophy: Draisaitl, Hellebuyck, And Kucherov In The Running

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 15, 2025

5.0

Share

The 2023 NHL season has concluded, and the race for the prestigious Hart Trophy, awarded to the league's Most Valuable Player, is incredibly close. While many players had outstanding seasons, three players stand out above the rest: Leon Draisaitl, Connor Hellebuyck, and Brayden Point. Each boasts exceptional statistics and contributed significantly to their team's success, making the decision for the NHL MVP a truly difficult one. This article will delve into the compelling arguments for each contender, examining their performances and ultimately weighing their chances of taking home the coveted award. The best NHL player of 2023 will be revealed soon, but let's analyze the top contenders for the 2023 NHL Awards.

Leon Draisaitl's Case for the Hart Trophy

Leon Draisaitl's offensive dominance is undeniable. His point totals alone make a strong case for the Hart Trophy. His consistent high-scoring performances were a key factor in the Edmonton Oilers' success throughout the regular season. The keywords here are truly remarkable.

• Led the league in points: Draisaitl's point total significantly outpaced many other NHL players, showcasing his exceptional offensive talent and consistent scoring ability.
• Consistently delivered high-scoring performances: He wasn't just a flash in the pan; Draisaitl delivered game after game, showing up when his team needed him most, providing crucial scoring and consistent offensive pressure. This consistent performance is a key element to consider in the Hart Trophy race.
• Showcased exceptional playmaking abilities, setting up teammates for goals: Draisaitl's skillset extends beyond just scoring goals; his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates makes him a complete offensive player and a valuable asset to the Oilers. His offensive production was instrumental to his team's success.
• Carried the Oilers' offense throughout the season: The Oilers relied heavily on Draisaitl's offensive prowess, and he consistently delivered, highlighting his importance to the team's overall performance.

Supporting argument: While team success is a factor in the Hart Trophy voting, Draisaitl's individual brilliance, even with the Oilers' playoff exit, makes him a very strong contender. His offensive production was simply extraordinary.

Connor Hellebuyck's Vezina-Caliber Hart Trophy Bid

Connor Hellebuyck's exceptional goaltending was crucial to the Winnipeg Jets' success. His statistics are not only Vezina Trophy-worthy (an award he is likely to win), but they also present a compelling case for the Hart Trophy. While goalies rarely win the Hart, Hellebuyck's impact was so significant that his candidacy is undeniable.

• Led the league or was among the top in key goaltending stats (Wins, save percentage, GAA): Hellebuyck's consistently high performance across multiple key goaltending metrics demonstrates his exceptional skill and reliability.
• Single-handedly stole games for the Jets: On numerous occasions, Hellebuyck's outstanding performances were the difference between a win and a loss for the Jets. His saves proved game-changing and critical to the Jets' playoff push.
• His consistent performance provided stability and confidence to the team's defense: Hellebuyck's strong play allowed the Jets' defense to play with more confidence, knowing they had a reliable goalie backing them up. This contributed significantly to the team’s overall defensive structure.

Supporting argument: Hellebuyck's performance was, arguably, MVP-caliber. While the Hart Trophy has historically favored skaters, the sheer impact Hellebuyck had on the Winnipeg Jets' season cannot be ignored.

Brayden Point's Lightning-Fueled Hart Trophy Contention

Brayden Point was a driving force in the Tampa Bay Lightning's playoff run. While his regular season stats might not compare to Draisaitl's, his postseason dominance significantly boosts his case for the Hart Trophy. His performance during the playoffs showcased clutch performances and strong leadership, proving his worth as a critical player on a top NHL team.

• Key scorer throughout the regular season and the playoffs: Point consistently contributed offensively throughout the season, maintaining a strong level of play both in regular season games and the more high-pressure playoff games.
• Delivered clutch goals in crucial playoff moments: Point's ability to perform under pressure and deliver when his team needed him most is a testament to his talent and mental fortitude. These clutch goals often made a difference in crucial playoff games.
• Showcased strong leadership qualities on a championship contender: Point's influence extended beyond his on-ice performance. His leadership and experience contributed to the Lightning's team dynamic and overall success.

Supporting argument: The impact of playoff performance shouldn't be underestimated when considering the Hart Trophy. Point's ability to deliver under pressure is a compelling argument in his favor for the coveted NHL MVP award. His crucial playoff contributions make him a contender despite a potentially lower regular season point total.

Conclusion

The 2023 Hart Trophy race is exceptionally close, with Draisaitl, Hellebuyck, and Point each presenting compelling arguments for the award. Draisaitl's offensive dominance is undeniable, Hellebuyck’s goaltending was MVP-caliber, and Point’s playoff heroics cannot be ignored. Ultimately, the decision rests on the voters' criteria, weighing individual brilliance against team success. Who will win the prestigious Hart Trophy? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for the announcement and continue the conversation about who deserved the NHL MVP award using the hashtag #HartTrophy2023. Let us know who you think should win the 2023 Hart Trophy in the comments below!