2026 NHL MVP Betting Odds
It’s hard to find many people who would argue with the fact Connor McDavid is the best hockey player on the planet right now.
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But that doesn’t mean he is a lock to win the Hart Trophy. The award is handed out to the most valuable player to his team.
If you were a hockey fan in the early to mid-1980s, you likely wonder why the trophy wasn’t renamed after Wayne Gretzky, as he was named MVP nine times, including eight seasons in a row from 1980 to 1987.
All-Time Hart Trophy Leaders
| Player | Number of MVPs |
| Wayne Gretzky | 9 |
| Gordie Howe | 6 |
| Eddie Shore | 4 |
| Connor McDavid | 3 |
| Alex Ovechkin | 3 |
| Mario Lemieux | 3 |
| Bobby Clarke | 3 |
| Bobby Orr | 3 |
| Howie Morenz | 3 |
Forwards win this award the majority of the time. In fact, over the last 50 years, a defenseman has won the Hart Trophy just once.
If you guessed Chris Pronger back in 2000, you are right. During that same stretch, a goalie was given the honor on four separate occasions, including Dominik Hasek in back-to-back seasons in the late 90s. Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck joined the club after winning the award after the 2024-25 season.
Check out our list of favorites below with odds updated through the 2026 Winter Olympics break.
2025 Hart Trophy Favorites
Nathan MacKinnon (-300) – Colorado Avalanche
The 2025-26 season marks the 13th of his career, and it seems like he’s only getting better. MacKinnon sat second in the league in scoring with 93 points at the Olympics break and led in goal-scoring with 40.
That offensive output has helped lead the Avalanche to one of the best record through the league’s furst half. He is the frontrunner for the Hart if his massive season continues and the Avalanche continue looking like they’ll make a Cup run.
Macklin Celebrini (+460)
Macklin Celebrini has become a breakout star for the San Jose Sharks in his sceond year. He has been outstanding this season, ranking among the NHL’s top scorers with more than 80 points and regularly leading his team’s offense with multi-point games.
His performance has earned league accolades and placed him squarely in early MVP discussions as one of the most impactful young players in the league.
Nikita Kucherov (+750) – Tampa Bay Lightning
Nikita Kucherov has been a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay Lightning this season, consistently ranking among the team’s top scorers with elite playmaking and finishing ability. He is oce again among the league’s scoring leaders, with 91 points at the break and tied for the league in assists with 62.
His hockey sense, power-play production, and ability to generate offense in all situations have made him one of the most dangerous forwards in the league.
Connor McDavid (+1200) – Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers star has made it clear that individual awards are not his priority and that winning the Stanley Cup is his only focus. Edmonton has come so close, losing in the Stanley Cup finals the last two seasons.
With that said, he is a three-time Hart Trophy winner and five-time Art Ross Trophy winner. He has reached the 100-point mark eight times, including a career-high 153 in 2022-2023. McDavid finished last season with 96 points and is still a major issue for opponents to deal with when he’s one the ice.
*odds courtesy of FanDuel
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Let’s Go Shopping!
Who do you like to win the Hart Trophy this year? Regardless of who you think will win the award, it’s important you don’t settle on the first set of odds you see.
Shopping around gives bettors a chance to earn more money. Nathan MacKinnon’s odds of winning the MVP are different depending on what betting website you are looking at.
Who wouldn’t want to get him at the highest odds possible? So, shop around for your Best Odds and get every edge you can over the sportsbooks.
Also, check out our other dedicated NHL futures betting articles:
