McDavid Favorite to Win Hart Trophy in 2025-26 NHL Season

NHL 2025-26 Season Preview: Trophy Tracker, Top Players, and Award Picks

As the NHL 2025-26 season approaches, excitement builds around top talent and award races. Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers stands out as a favorite to win the Hart Trophy once again. Alongside him, the league’s most talented players vie for dominance across divisions, while Stanley Cup predictions reveal intense competition.

Key Takeaways

• Connor McDavid is the frontrunner for the 2025-26 Hart Trophy and remains one of the NHL’s top 75 players.
• The NHL’s top players list (Nos. 10-1) highlights emerging stars and veterans shaping the season.
• Stanley Cup and division winner picks shape early expectations for the 2025-26 campaign.

Trophy Tracker: McDavid Favorite to Win Hart Trophy

Connor McDavid’s consistently elite performance makes him the leading contender for the Hart Trophy in the 2025-26 NHL season. His ability to dominate games, generate offense, and elevate the Edmonton Oilers’ play makes him nearly unrivaled. Analysts and fans alike expect McDavid to maintain his MVP-caliber output, placing him atop the list of top 10 Hart Trophy candidates.

• McDavid’s speed and vision define his game.
• Leading the Oilers deep into the playoffs drives award buzz.
• His dominance challenges other talent league-wide.

For detailed insights into McDavid's Hart Trophy history and statistics, refer to this ESPN article.

NHL Top Players: Ranked Nos. 10-1

The NHL’s top 75 players ranking narrows to the elite Nos. 10-1, showcasing the league’s biggest stars poised for impact. This list blends top scorers, two-way players, and emerging talents expected to influence both regular season and playoff outcomes. Several forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders highlight this top tier.

1. Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)
2. Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)
3. Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)
4. Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
5. Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)
6. Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks)
7. Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning)
8. Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers)
9. Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers)
10. Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)

This list reflects a balance of offensive firepower, leadership, and defensive skill that will define the season’s narrative.

NHL Awards Picks for the 2025-26 Season: Spotlight on McDavid

Beyond the Hart Trophy, several key awards will attract attention this season. McDavid is also a strong candidate for the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s leading scorer. Meanwhile, contenders for the Norris Trophy, Vezina Trophy, and Calder Trophy emerge around the league.

• Hart Trophy favorite: Connor McDavid
• Art Ross Trophy frontrunner: Connor McDavid
• Norris Trophy hopefuls: Cale Makar, Victor Hedman
• Vezina Trophy contenders: Igor Shesterkin, Andrei Vasilevskiy
• Calder Trophy prospects: top rookies of the season

“Connor McDavid’s ability to redefine excellence keeps fans and analysts glued to every game in 2025-26.”

NHL 2025-26 Season Picks: Stanley Cup and Division Winners

Predicting the Stanley Cup winner brings many variables into play. Teams with balanced rosters, strong goaltending, and postseason experience stand out. The Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Edmonton Oilers remain favorites.

Division winners expected in 2025-26 include:

• Atlantic Division: Toronto Maple Leafs
• Central Division: Colorado Avalanche
• Metropolitan Division: New York Rangers
• Pacific Division: Edmonton Oilers

For more on the competing teams and their standings, check out the latest CBS Sports Power Rankings.

Stanley Cup predictions highlight the Avalanche and Oilers as front-runners, but surprises could always emerge.

• Strong defense and elite goaltending will be decisive.
• McDavid’s leadership propels Oilers’ chances.
• Depth and health remain critical factors.

Top 10 Hart Trophy Candidates for 2025-26

The top 10 Hart Trophy candidates embody skill, leadership, and game-changing ability. McDavid leads the pack, but fierce competition comes from players who can carry their teams.

• Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)
• Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)
• Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)
• Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)
• Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
• Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers)
• Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks)
• Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
• Mitch Marner (Toronto Maple Leafs)
• Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers)

Key Insight: Hart Trophy conversations hinge on individual performance, team success, and clutch playoff moments, keeping the race highly competitive throughout the 2025-26 NHL season.

With McDavid as the centerpiece, this NHL season ranks among the most anticipated. From top player rankings to award predictions and Stanley Cup races, fans have plenty to watch as the action unfolds.