The NHL’s Trophy Tracker series kicks off ahead of the 2026-27 season with an early look at the Hart Trophy race, awarded to the league’s most valuable player. This first installment examines key candidates and the factors that could shape the competition as teams prepare for the new campaign. Fans and analysts will get a closer look at standout performances and what it takes to dominate in the league’s most prestigious individual award. The feature sets the stage for ongoing updates tracking the race throughout the year.

To mark the beginning of the 2026-27 regular season, NHL.com is running its first installment of the Trophy Tracker series. Today, we look at the race for the Hart Trophy, given annually to the top ...