LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 16: The Hart Memorial Trophy is displayed at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino . (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Hart Trophy
At the beginning of last season, I loved the odds for Auston Matthews to win the Hart Trophy. I thought at around +1800 he had the best chances for the longest odds.
This year is a bit different as his odds have been as low as +600 and as high as +650 on WynnBET.com. While these are decent odds, Connor McDavid is only a little less at +240, and if he stays healthy all season he could easily reach 150 points and run away with the Hart.
This article is not about who the favorites are though, it’s about looking at the odds, and right now the best odds I see for a player on the Toronto Maple Leafs that could realistically win is Mitch Marner at +2200.
Toronto Maple Leafs fans may not want to hear that, with many fans spewing a lot of hatred towards Marner after another first round exit. No one can deny, though, that Marner had a near perfect regular season, and the Hart Trophy is a regular season award.
At odds like +2200, it does not seem that far fetched that Marner could take this trophy home this season. Especially if Matthews misses a bit of time with his wrist issues and Marner steps up in a big way, finishes at the top or even in the top 3 in scoring and the Toronto Maple Leafs finish at the top of their division, Marner could easily become a top target for Hart votes.
If we wanted to explore a little deeper, John Tavares as the captain of the Leafs and a proven leader and goal scorer could come into the conversation. If Matthews and Marner take a step back for any reason and Tavares steps up and leads the Toronto Maple Leafs in scoring, at +4000 odds, it could be a decent long shot.
However, if I were going long shot chances, I would rather take a flyer on one of the goaltenders running away with the starting job and leading this team to a highly prolific regular season. New addition Petr Mrazek comes in at +5000 on the odds board, which is enticing. I am looking at Jack Campbell, though, at a massively large +10000 odds to capture the Hart. It is highly unlikely, but if I am going to bet on a goalie walking away with the Hart Trophy, those are my favourite odds in the entire league.