The Hart isn't about being the most valuable player on your team, it's about being the most valuable player in the league. Hughes can lug the puck east to west all he wants , but on a team with Draisaitl, Mackinnon, Makar and McDavid, he will be sitting at the end of the bench. Draisaitl is leading the league in multiple selke categories as well as on pace to break the league record for most game winning goals, at a 62 goal pace along with close to a 130 point pace.If it's actually about most valuable player to their team then it's Hughes > Hellebuyck > the field. People who argue that Makar is comparable are missing out on watching a defenseman dictate games with possession while not having anyone on his level on his team. Everyone else I'd consider for a Hart has way more on their team going for them.
Draisaitl has a teammate producing at a higher rate than him, MacKinnon has Makar and Rantanen. Etc.
This award isn't about most valuable though. It's about the best story. And it also ignores goalies and defense largely because the Norris and Vezina exist. So in terms of who might actually win, I'd say Draisaitl right now and whomever has the most points, unless someone is close and has a lot more goals. The Rocket or Art Ross winner will get the Hart as per usual.
Also leading the league in +/-.The Hart isn't about being the most valuable player on your team, it's about being the most valuable player in the league. Hughes can lug the puck east to west all he wants , but on a team with Draisaitl, Mackinnon, Makar and McDavid, he will be sitting at the end of the bench. Draisaitl is leading the league in multiple selke categories as well as on pace to break the league record for most game winning goals, at a 62 goal pace along with close to a 130 point pace.