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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our picks to win the Hart in 2021.
Todd Cordell
Auston Matthews.
I know people are probably sick of hearing about the Toronto Maple Leafs but that doesn’t exactly factor in on my decision making process. I pick who I think is best suited and, right now, I believe that to be Auston Matthews.
He is the best 5v5 goal scorer in the league. I’ve already gone on record as liking him to win the Rocket Richard in what is a very poor defensive division. I also think the Toronto Maple Leafs are a good bet to finish atop of it.
If Matthews leads the league in goals, and the Leafs are as good as they are supposed to be, he is going to garner a lot of attention. Deservedly so.
What I also think helps Matthews is an improving 200-foot game. His defensive play was worth 2.2 Goals Above Replacement last season, which bested highly regarded two-way centers like Sean Couturier, Anze Kopitar and Phillip Danault. He really did make great strides off puck.
I think he is going to hit another level – with and without the puck – this season so he is my pick to take home the hardware.
Numbers via Evolving-Hockey.com
Sean Maloughney
Until something else drastically changes in the NHL, the Hart Trophy will always remain Connor McDavid's to lose. Last season Connor wasn't able to train at all in the off-season, undergoing his rehab and we weren't sure until right before Game 1 if he was going to be able to even start the season.
Despite all of that, he still finished second in the league with 97 points in 64 games. #97 is only getting better folks.
The new divisions also help Connor out, Connor has scored more goals against the Flames than any team he has played against, and produces well over a ppg against every Canadian team. Even though they are great friends, McDavid is highly competitive and will be aiming to retake the scoring lead from Leon Draisaitl. It's going to be a fun year seeing McDavid dominate the North.
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