Kaprizov leads the league in scoring

[McFlash97]

Draisaitl is the Hart front runner. Not even close ATM

 

[AKL]

Draisaitl is the Hart front runner. Not even close ATM

View attachment 946280

He's definitely a close 2nd to Kaprizov, no denying that

 

[State of Hockey]

How did that work for Kucherov last year ?

Obviously not great. Didn't appear to matter much in the equation. It's one reason why I think Kaprizov is a front runner for the Hart, but not the favorite. Just too many other star players that are now in the same ballpark as he is. And after his torrid first month, he's cooled off, and the pack has caught him. He has to find another gear again to keep up.

The other factor that hurt Kucherov and will hurt Kaprizov is that it's tough for wingers to win the Hart. All things equal the dominant center have the edge. Doesn't help that both are MIA on the PK and a tendency to pad their stats with empty net points. If they were viewed as strong 2-way guys and contributed more that arena, I think that disadvantage would be muted. Kaprizov is certainly not bad defensively, but he's not tasked with the same job as the centers in the conversation, and voters take that into account.

 

[MuckOG]

Draisaitl is the Hart front runner. Not even close ATM

View attachment 946280

If Draisatl could post those same numbers WITHOUT McDavid in the line-up, I might agree with you. On the flip-side, Kaprizov is driving the Wild's bus without much help at all.