NHL MVP Race Odds: Who is Favored to Win the Hart Trophy 2025-26?

🏆 Who Are The Favorite to Win the NHL Hart Trophy?

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Nathan MacKinnon is currently the favorite to win the Hart Trophy in the 2025-26 season. The table below illustrates the current odds.

Connor McDavid MVP Odds

Connor McDavid had another strong season, scoring 26 goals and 74 assists through 67 games. Assuming he can play more this coming season, that will increase his chances of winning his fourth Hart Trophy. Currently, the oddsmakers list him as the absolute favorite going into the 2025-26 season, but he needs to stay healthy throughout the regular season to keep his spot. 

Nathan MacKinnon MVP Odds

Nathan MacKinnon went wild in the 2024-25 season, tallying 32 goals and 84 assists for a total of 116 points. While those numbers were down from his ridiculous 140-point season in the 2023-24 season, it was still a fantastic mark, and it showed how talented MacKinnon is. MacKinnon will always be a threat to win the Hart Trophy, and look for his second Hart Trophy in three seasons. 

Jack Eichel MVP Odds

Jack Eichel has come out of the gate with nothing stopping him, scoring 38 points over 29 games. If he can keep the pace, he can definitely break his career high in points. Additionally, Eichel has enjoyed playing alongside Mitchell Marner and displayed something special in every game. 

Kirill Kaprizov MVP Odds

Kirill Kaprizov dealt with a plethora of injuries in the 2024-25 season. But he still finished with 25 goals and 31 assists over 41 games. Had he played a full season, he would have had 50 goals and 62 assists, which are incredible numbers. If Kaprizov can stay healthy, he will have a great chance of winning his first Hart Trophy. 

Macklin Celebrini MVP Odds

Macklin Celebrini is already showing why he was one of the most anticipated prospects in recent years, bringing immediate impact and maturity to San Jose’s lineup in the 2025–26 season. His dynamic skill set—highlighted by elite skating, sharp vision, and a natural scoring touch—has given the Sharks a legitimate offensive threat every time he hits the ice. Celebrini plays with confidence beyond his age, driving possession, creating plays under pressure, and proving he can handle top-line responsibilities. As he continues to grow, he’s quickly becoming the centerpiece of San Jose’s rebuild and a bright beacon for the franchise’s future.

Connor Bedard MVP Odds

Connor Bedard continues to live up to the enormous hype surrounding him, quickly establishing himself as one of the NHL’s most electrifying young stars. Early in the 2025–26 season, he’s become the focal point of Chicago’s offense, using his elite shot, crafty puck skills, and elite anticipation to create scoring chances seemingly every shift. Even with a young supporting cast, Bedard consistently makes players around him better and carries the offensive load with remarkable maturity. His rapid development has given the Blackhawks a true franchise cornerstone and a reason to believe their climb back to contention is well underway.

Close Contenders for the Hart Trophy

Nikita Kucherov MVP Odds

Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning's impressive right winger, has reasserted himself as a contender for the NHL's Hart Trophy this season. Now, he looks to build upon another great season after notching 37 goals and 84 assists over 78 games for the Bolts. Kucherov is still a dangerous shooter and an elite playmaker. 

Cale Makar MVP Odds.

Cale Makar continues to redefine what it means to be an elite NHL defenseman, combining flawless skating, high-end vision, and elite offensive instincts. Early in the 2025–26 season, he’s once again anchoring the Avalanche blue line with his effortless ability to transition the puck and control the pace of play. Makar not only drives Colorado’s offense but also logs heavy minutes against top competition, making him one of the most valuable two-way players in the league. As long as he’s healthy, he remains a perennial Norris Trophy favorite and one of the NHL’s true game-changers.

Leon Draisaitl MVP Odds

Leon Draisaitl, the Edmonton Oilers' star forward, was the front-runner for the NHL's Hart Trophy this past season until an injury sidelined him. He still finished with 52 goals and 54 assists over 71 games. Draisaitl will try to win the second Hart Trophy of his career, as he plays another season for the Oilers. 

Sidney Crosby MVP Odds

At 38, Sidney Crosby is still a dominant force in the NHL and a serious contender for the 2025-26 MVP. Despite his age, he continues to produce at an elite level, combining scoring, playmaking, and leadership that few can match. Crosby’s consistency keeps him among the league’s top point-getters, even as the Penguins face roster challenges. His presence on the ice and ability to elevate teammates make him a standout candidate, with both fans and peers recognizing his impact. If he maintains his form, he could not only chase the MVP but also add more milestones to his storied career.

Leo Carlsson MVP Odds

Leo Carlsson is quickly emerging as the centerpiece of Anaheim’s rebuild, showcasing poise and playmaking ability far beyond his age. Early in the 2025–26 season, he’s taken a significant step forward, driving the Ducks’ offense with his size, vision, and creativity down the middle. Carlsson consistently elevates his linemates' play, using his hockey IQ to generate chances and control shifts in both zones. As he gains confidence and responsibility, he’s proving he can be a true franchise cornerstone, giving Ducks fans some hope of the playoffs and possibly winning their second Stanley Cup. 

David Pastrnak MVP Odds

David Pastrnak has never won the Hart Trophy, but he will try to accomplish the feat this season. "Pasta" just had another great season, tallying 43 goals and 63 assists over 82 games. Pastrnak is durable, having played all 82 games for three straight seasons. If he can take that next step, he will have a chance to win his first Hart Trophy. 

🔥 OTHER NHL ODDS PAGES:

• Calder Trophy Odds
• NHL Playoffs Odds
• Vezina Trophy Odds
• Norris Trophy Odds
• Maple Leafs Playoff Odds
• Ottawa Senators Stanley Cup Odds

How to Bet on the NHL MVP

Want to make a bet on the Hart Trophy? Go to your favorite sports betting site or Ontario betting app and check out the awards section. You'll be able to find the Hart Trophy odds there. Once you set up an account, you are ready to place your bet. If you place an early bet on a longshot, you have a better chance to win a big bet, but you can place a bet anytime throughout the season as the odds change. Come back to this page after the Stanley Cup concludes to see the new odds for next season. 

How the Hart Trophy Voting Works

The Hart Trophy is selected by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Each writer casts a ballot with five players on it and they're given points based on where they are ordered (10-7-5-3-1). Once the votes are tallied, three finalists are named. The trophy is awarded at the NHL Awards Ceremony following the Stanley Cup playoffs.

 

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How to Find the Best Odds

Odds vary from sportsbook to sportsbook so do your homework and visit a few before you place your bet. DraftKings is an NHL partner and has good information on its site and app. The other major sportsbooks also have dedicated coverage of the NHL sports betting scene. 

NHL Hart Trophy Winners From The Past 20 Years

 

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NHL Hart Trophy Trivia

• Wayne Gretzky's nine MVPs not only are the most ever in NHL history, but he also holds the record for most MVPs in any North American team sport, including the NFL, MLB and NBA.
• There have only been two unanimous Hart Trophy winners -- Gretzky in the 1981-82 season and Connor McDavid in the 2020-21 season.
• The team with the most Hart Trophy winners is the Canadiens with 17.
• Joe Thornton is the only player to win the Hart Trophy after being traded at midseason. Thornton started the 2005-06 season with the Bruins, but they traded him to the Sharks.
• The first American to win the Hart Trophy was Brett Hull, who won it as a member of the Blues in 1990-91. Natives of Canada had won all of the MVPs before Hull.

From OntarioBets.com

Author

Ray Fittipaldo

@rayfitt1

Ray has worked in sports journalism for the past 26 years, covering Super Bowls, Stanley Cup Finals, Final Fours and BCS national championship games.