The NHL’s Trophy Tracker series kicks off with an early look at the race for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the league’s most valuable player. This inaugural installment examines key candidates and the factors that could shape the season-long debate over who deserves hockey’s most prestigious individual honor. Fans and analysts alike will find fresh insights into the skills, consistency, and impact that define MVP contention. The feature sets the stage for a deeper dive into the league’s top performers as the campaign unfolds.

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 ...