Toronto Maple Leafs: Tavares and Matthews among Hart Trophy favourites
By Paul Taylor
Toronto Maple Leafs duo John Tavares and Auston Matthews are among the early favourites to be named 2018-19 NHL MVP, but will it become a reality for either?
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a long and illustrious history, dating all the way back to 1917. However, one award they don’t have much association with, is the Hart Memorial Trophy.
Presented annually since 1924, the trophy is given to the NHL’s most valuable player. In the 92-year history of the award, there have been 56 different winners.
And yet, only two Leafs players have ever won the trophy. Babe Pratt received the award following the 1943-44 season, while Ted Kennedy won it after the 1954-55 campaign.
Regardless of the lack of winners, the Leafs are in an excellent position to add a third player to the list in 2018-19. At least according to online sports betting site, Bovada.
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As per Sports Illustrated‘s Michael Blinn, John Tavares and Auston Matthews have been listed as joint-third favourites to take home this season’s MVP award. Bovada is offering odds of 10/1 for both.
Connor McDavid is listed as favourite (10/3), while Sidney Crosby is second (13/2). Alex Ovechkin rounds out the top five, with the same odds as Tavares and Matthews. (Last season’s winner Taylor Hall is joint-sixth, with odds of 15/1.)
When you look at the esteemed company the Leafs’ duo have been placed in, it makes you realise how respected both centres are for their talent. For context, McDavid, Crosby and Ovechkin have won six Hart Trophies between them.
When you consider everything Tavares has achieved so far in his career, his inclusion makes perfect season. He’s coming off a 84-point season and now he’s joined a better team.
Seeing Matthews’ name on the list might be slightly more surprising to some, but it shouldn’t be. He has galvanised the Leafs during his two seasons in the league and should only continue to improve, especially if he can stay injury-free.
Pro Hockey Rumors came up with an interesting theory, that any improvement by the duo could effectively see them cancel each other out for the MVP award, à la Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. However, the counter argument to this is that both won the Hart Trophy during a three-year period between 2012-14.
Regardless, the main takeaway is that the Leafs are the only team with two players among the favourites to win the Hart Trophy. It alludes to how much talent the Buds have as a long overdue genuine contender for the Stanley Cup, a trophy which Tavares and Matthews would both much rather win.
Next. 3 Leafs players with everything to prove in 2018-19. dark
What’s your take on Tavares or Matthews winning the Hart Trophy this coming season? Which of the Toronto Maple Leafs duo has the better chance in your opinion, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.