15 players to watch so far in the MVP Race

The NHL season is still young, but several players are already performing at an elite level. They’ve separated themselves from the pack and are firmly in the mix for the MVP race so far. 

Dylan Larkin is leading Detroit’s resurgence with an incredible mix of speed, determination, and offensive flair. His leadership has been vital, and his consistency has made him one of the league’s most dependable centers.

Night after night, Larkin’s energy fuels the Red Wings’ attack, and his two-way excellence makes him a legitimate Hart Trophy contender.

Rantanen has been absolutely dominant this season, combining elite strength, vision, and scoring touch. He’s producing at a career-high pace, leading the Avalanche’s dynamic attack alongside Wyatt Johnson but often driving plays himself.

His ability to take over games with physical power and silky skill keeps Dallas rolling — and his MVP case only grows stronger each week.

Frank Nazar’s emergence has been one of the league’s most exciting storylines. The young center has injected life into Chicago’s offense, showcasing elite speed, confidence, and vision.

Playing alongside Bedard, he’s producing at a remarkable pace and thriving under pressure. His breakout season has made him an inspiring, if surprising, Hart Trophy candidate.

Eichel’s 2025-26 campaign has been sensational. Fully healthy and confident, he’s controlling games with his skating, puck protection, and clutch scoring.

He’s consistently the Golden Knights’ most dangerous player, leading their offense and driving possession in all situations. With Vegas among the league’s best, Eichel’s elite two-way dominance puts him firmly in the Hart Trophy race.

Kirill Kaprizov is putting on a show this season, dazzling fans with creativity and elite finishing.

He’s carrying Minnesota’s offense almost single-handedly, producing big goals in key moments. His energy and flair make him the heartbeat of the Wild. With his current production and influence, Kaprizov’s Hart Trophy campaign feels more legitimate than ever.

McDavid is once again redefining excellence. The 2025-26 season has seen him dominate every aspect of the game — blistering speed, pinpoint playmaking, and unmatched vision.

He’s leading the league in scoring by a wide margin and carrying Edmonton on his back. His nightly brilliance reminds everyone why he remains the Hart Trophy benchmark.

Kempe’s hot start in 2025-26 has elevated him into true superstar territory. He’s producing consistently, leading the Kings in goals and playing his best all-around hockey yet. His blend of size, speed, and finishing touch makes him nearly unstoppable.

As Los Angeles fights for Western supremacy, Kempe’s dominance gives him a strong Hart Trophy résumé.

The 2nd year sensation is taking the league by storm, quickly becoming San Jose’s heartbeat. Celebrini has showcased dazzling hands, vision beyond his years, and a natural ability to dominate offensively.

He’s revitalized a struggling franchise with superstar play and confidence, putting up staggering rookie numbers. His immediate impact makes him a jaw-dropping Calder favorite and a legitimate Hart Trophy dark horse.

Seth Jarvis has exploded into stardom this season, emerging as Carolina’s most impactful forward. His blend of speed, grit, and offensive instincts has made him a constant scoring threat. He’s producing in all situations and thriving in high-pressure moments.

Jarvis’s breakout performance has been central to Carolina’s success — and it’s turning heads across the league.

Suzuki’s start to 2025-26 has been nothing short of spectacular. He’s scoring at a point-per-game pace while maintaining elite defensive awareness. As captain, his calm leadership and ability to thrive in clutch moments have pushed the Canadiens back into contention.

Suzuki’s two-way dominance and consistency make him one of the league’s most valuable and complete players — a true Hart candidate.

David Pastrnak continues to prove he’s one of the most dangerous goal scorers on the pl

anet. In 2025-26, he’s carried Boston’s offense with elite creativity, relentless energy, and highlight-reel finishes. Even without his longtime linemates at their peak, he’s producing at an MVP-worthy pace and keeping the Bruins near the top of the standings.

Malkin is turning back the clock in 2025-26 with an incredible offensive surge and vintage power play brilliance. He’s producing at an elite rate, leading the Penguins through a competitive division with poise and passion.

His chemistry with Sidney Crosby looks rejuvenated, and his ability to elevate his team night after night makes his Hart Trophy case impossible to ignore.

Keller is enjoying the best stretch of his career, thriving as Utah’s unquestioned leader and top scorer. His creativity and offensive instincts have made him nearly impossible to contain, and he’s producing big points even against elite defenses.

With the Coyotes surprising many and staying competitive, Keller’s impact and consistency make him a genuine Hart Trophy threat.

Nylander has been electric, arguably Toronto’s most dominant player through the first stretch of 2025-26. His effortless skating, lethal shot, and newfound consistency have elevated him to superstar status. He’s producing highlight moments nightly while carrying the Maple Leafs’ offense.

Nylander’s offensive explosion and game-breaking ability make him one of the year’s most compelling Hart Trophy hopefuls.

MacKinnon is off to a phenomenal start in 2025-26, once again proving he’s one of the NHL’s most complete players. His blazing speed, relentless drive, and clutch scoring have powered Colorado to the top of the Western Conference.

Every shift feels like a statement of dominance, and his unmatched intensity and leadership make him one of the strongest Hart Trophy contenders this year.