Leon Draisaitl and Connor Hellebuyck are leading the NHL MVP Race
As we move into the final stretch of the 2024-25 NHL season, the race for the Hart Memorial Trophy—the league’s MVP award—is heating up.
With standout performances from multiple stars, oddsmakers have adjusted their lines, and we’re seeing a fascinating battle between goal-scorers, playmakers, and even a goaltender in the mix.
Here’s a look at the current favorites:
• Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers): -130
• Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets): +120
• Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche): +750
• Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning): +1600
• Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers): +3000
• Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks): +5000
(Odds as of March 4, 2025. Subject to change.)
1. Leon Draisaitl (-130) – The Favorite to Beat
Draisaitl has been on fire for the Oilers, putting together an 12-game point streak while leading the league with 45 goals and 92 points in 61 games. His ability to take over games offensively, especially with Connor McDavid missing time this season, has made him the front-runner for the Hart. If he keeps this up, it’s hard to see anyone knocking him off the top spot.
2. Connor Hellebuyck (+120) – The Goalie Making History?
It’s rare to see a goaltender in serious MVP contention, but Hellebuyck is making a strong case. The Jets netminder has been a brick wall all season, posting a 2.01 goals-against average (GAA) and a .926 save percentage, leading the league with 36 wins. He’s been the backbone of Winnipeg’s 11-game win streak, and if he carries them deep into the playoffs, we could see the first goalie MVP since Carey Price in 2015.
3. Nathan MacKinnon (+750) – Can He Close the Gap?
MacKinnon is having another phenomenal season for the Avalanche, leading the NHL with 93 points (23 goals, 70 assists) in 62 games. He’s still in the conversation, but the odds suggest he’ll need a late-season surge to overtake Draisaitl and Hellebuyck. If he can string together some dominant performances, he could make things interesting.
• Nikita Kucherov (+1600): The Lightning star continues to be one of the most electric offensive players in the league, keeping himself in the mix.
• Connor McDavid (+3000): Injuries have hurt his case, but we all know what McDavid is capable of when he’s healthy. Never count him out.
• Quinn Hughes (+5000): A defenseman rarely wins MVP, but Hughes has been outstanding for the Canucks. If Vancouver goes on a deep playoff run, he could get some late-season buzz.
With only a few weeks left in the season, the Hart Trophy race is far from over. Draisaitl is the clear favorite, but if Hellebuyck keeps dominating or MacKinnon turns up the heat, we could see a shift in the odds
Credit Photo : Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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