NHL Hart Trophy 2024: Draisaitl, Hellebuyck, And Kucherov In The Running

5 min read Post on May 15, 2025

NHL Hart Trophy 2024: Draisaitl, Hellebuyck, And Kucherov In The Running

Leon Draisaitl's Case for the NHL Hart Trophy

Draisaitl's Offensive Prowess

Leon Draisaitl’s offensive dominance is undeniable. He consistently leads the league in scoring, showcasing exceptional skill and playmaking ability.

Points Leader: Draisaitl's point totals consistently place him among the league leaders, often vying for the top spot. His points-per-game average is consistently impressive.
High Assist Numbers: He's not just a goal scorer; Draisaitl's assist numbers demonstrate his exceptional vision and ability to set up his teammates for scoring opportunities.
Power-Play Production: A significant portion of Draisaitl's points come from the power play, highlighting his effectiveness in high-pressure situations and his impact on the Edmonton Oilers' special teams.

His offensive contribution is a cornerstone of the Oilers' success. The team relies heavily on his ability to generate scoring chances and consistently find the back of the net.

Draisaitl's Two-Way Play

While predominantly known for his offense, Draisaitl has shown marked improvement in his defensive responsibilities. He's become a more complete player, contributing significantly beyond just scoring.

Improved Defensive Metrics: While not a shutdown defender, his defensive positioning and backchecking have noticeably improved, reducing scoring chances against.
Faceoff Win Percentage: His faceoff win percentage, although not always a primary indicator, demonstrates his overall commitment to winning puck battles.
Transitional Play: Draisaitl's ability to smoothly transition the puck from defense to offense is crucial for the Oilers' fast-paced style of play.

This improved two-way play elevates his value beyond a simple point-getter, making him a more well-rounded candidate for the Hart Trophy.

Draisaitl's Team Impact

Draisaitl's performance directly correlates to the Oilers' success. When he's on his game, the Oilers tend to win.

Playoff Contention: His consistent high performance is crucial for the Oilers' playoff aspirations.
Leadership: He serves as a leader both on and off the ice, inspiring his teammates to perform at their best. His influence creates a positive team atmosphere, crucial for winning.
Team Record Correlation: A direct comparison of the Oilers' win/loss record with and without Draisaitl's contributions would strengthen his Hart Trophy candidacy.

Connor Hellebuyck's Case for the NHL Hart Trophy

Hellebuyck's Goaltending Dominance

Connor Hellebuyck’s goaltending excellence is a key factor in his Hart Trophy consideration. His statistics consistently place him among the league's elite goalies.

High Save Percentage: Hellebuyck often boasts a remarkably high save percentage, indicating his ability to consistently stop shots.
Low Goals-Against Average: His consistently low goals-against average further illustrates his defensive prowess and consistency in net.
Vezina Trophy Candidate: His performance makes him a strong contender for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's best goaltender, frequently a precursor to Hart Trophy consideration.
Shutouts: The number of shutouts accumulated reinforces Hellebuyck's ability to dominate games.

His remarkable saves are often the difference between victory and defeat for his team.

Hellebuyck's Wins and Team Impact

Hellebuyck’s high win total directly contributes to his team’s success. Goaltending is paramount in hockey, and his impact is undeniable.

Team Record Comparison: Comparing his team's record with him in net versus the record with the backup goaltender illustrates his significant impact.
Game-Winning Saves: Many victories can be directly attributed to crucial saves made by Hellebuyck in critical moments of the game.
Backbone of the Team: He serves as the backbone of his team’s defensive structure, offering consistent stability and confidence to his teammates.

Brayden Point's Case for the NHL Hart Trophy

Point's All-Around Game

Brayden Point is a dynamic player whose offensive skills and overall game contribution make him a strong Hart Trophy candidate.

Consistent Scoring: He's a consistent scorer, contributing significantly to his team's offense with both goals and assists.
Speed and Skill: His speed and agility allow him to create scoring opportunities and be a threat on both sides of the puck.
Clutch Performances: Point consistently delivers in high-stakes moments, frequently scoring crucial goals during key games.

His impact goes beyond mere statistics, as he’s vital to the team's offensive strategy and overall success.

Point's Leadership and Team Impact

Point’s leadership, while not always outwardly displayed, is influential within the team's structure.

Team Chemistry: His positive attitude and dedication impact the team's overall chemistry.
Quiet Leadership: He leads by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic and consistently high performance.
Mentorship: He likely mentors younger players, improving the overall team dynamics and performance.

His leadership and experience are invaluable assets, contributing to the team's success beyond his individual statistical contributions.

Conclusion: Predicting the 2024 NHL Hart Trophy Winner

The 2024 NHL Hart Trophy race is exceptionally tight, with Draisaitl's offensive dominance, Hellebuyck’s goaltending prowess, and Point’s all-around impact all deserving of recognition. While predicting the winner is challenging, considering the sheer volume of points accumulated, Leon Draisaitl’s consistent offensive dominance might edge him slightly ahead. However, Hellebuyck’s crucial role as a goaltender and Point's contributions cannot be underestimated.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the voters. Who do you think will win the 2024 NHL Hart Trophy? Let us know in the comments below!