MVPs do repeat in the NHL, but considering how tight the competition is, it is expected that there will be tight contest against the many elite players on the rise in the NHL this season so far. With the way Nathan MacKinnon is playing right now, does he have the best chance to win the MVP award in the 2024-25 season?
At this point, it is hard to argue that Nathan MacKinnon is expected to be really a solid candidate to look out for in the NHL’s MVP race now more than ever. Sure, the season started out bleak for the Colorado Avalanche with MacKinnon and the gang sitting at the 11th spot behind the Edmonton Oilers, but there’s still a lot to expect at this point in time.
Recap of the Previous MVP Campaign
In 10 years in the NHL, Nathan MacKinnon has been one of the best elite performers in the game, and it cannot be denied that he has been consistent in his rise to prominence. Three years after adjusting to his game, MacKinnon has always been named an All-Star, save for the 2021 season.
The year 2024 has been a landmark year for MacKinnon, where he would go on to win the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award – all while being named to the NHL First All-Star Team as well. It is hard to argue that he deserved to win it all that year, especially after falling short in the MVP race of the 2022 season – where they also won the Stanley Cup Final.
In the 2023-24 season, MacKinnon played all 82 games in the season, and he would go on to tally 140 points on 89 assists and 51 goals, being a +35 for the whole season – which was arguably the best of his career. That just says a lot about the big expectations that is set before MacKinnon to win the MVP award once more and deliver a stunning performance in the season as well.
Can Nathan MacKinnon Win the MVP Again?
At this point, no one is doubting the fact that Nathan MacKinnon is also coming up with a massive chance to pull off another push to the MVP. He’s already on the rise in terms of minutes – averaging 22:57 of ice time, which is the most of his career. In retrospect, this says a lot about how MacKinnon is expected to be the big performer who can actually lead the Avalanche to a massive run while also making a deep run at the big stage as well.
Here’s what to expect in Nathan MacKinnon’s bid for the MVP campaign:
Odds to Win the MVP
It is expected that Nathan MacKinnon will be a clear favorite to win the MVP this season. However, it is also worth noting that this year is going to be the most exciting race to the top of the league once more as there are a lot of key candidates to look out for – and a lot of elite performers to consider at this point in time. If you are not impressed, the odds don’t actually look close at this point in time, and one can say that there is going to be a lot of changes to this list as the season ensues.
NHL MVP Odds (updated as of November 15, 2024)
Rank | Player | Team | Best Odds to Win |
1 | Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers | +180 |
2 | Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning | +300 |
3 | Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche | +430 |
4 | Kiril Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild | +450 |
5 | Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers | +650 |
Based on the odds table, MacKinnon is still a hot pick to win, but that does not give any guarantees for parlay betting. Connor McDavid is still at the top of the list despite coming off an injury and the Oilers plummeting in the depths of the Western Conference. The only viable candidate with a top 10 record? Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning, 7th), Kiril Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild, 4th), and Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers, 5th).
Comeback for the Avalanche
Speaking of MVPs having viable records for their teams, it is worth noting that the Colorado Avalanche are not on the good side of the Western Conference at this point in time. It cannot be denied that the West has seen a massive shakeup among its contenders considering how the first few games of the season have become really wild to watch. For context, contenders are sitting near the dangerous sides of the standings.
Western Conference Standings - First 14 Games
Rank | Team | Record |
10 | Edmonton Oilers | 6-7-1 |
11 | Colorado Avalanche | 6-7-0 |
12 | Chicago Blackhawks | 5-8-1 |
13 | Seattle Kraken | 5-8-1 |
Considering that the season still has a lot of games in play, one can expect that the Avalanche won’t be lingering at the bottom side of the West for long. This is where MacKinnon can build his MVP case now more than ever, and that says a lot about how his value will come through for the team. Lifting the Avalanche out of the doom spots of the West and lifting them all the way to the playoff stage – or even the first seed – will definitely be enough to give him a strong case for the MVP award than anyone else.
Will MacKinnon Pull off an MVP Repeat?
The Hart Trophy isn’t always a one-player race. While McDavid might be the frontrunner, voters often look at factors like team success, overall impact, and intangibles. If MacKinnon can continue to elevate his game, he’ll certainly be in the conversation alongside these superstars. A 100-point season, combined with his leadership, could very well set him apart from the pack.
In a league filled with elite players, MacKinnon’s mix of skill, leadership, and ability to change the game in an instant makes him a player you can't overlook. With the right combination of individual excellence and team success, the Hart Trophy could very well find its way back into his hands.
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