Nikita Kucherov is the clear favorite for the Art Ross Trophy

[ViD]

He’s been on fire since the beginning of the season topping it off with a 6 point performance today.

35 points in 20 games (143 point pace), 4 more than Hughes. 15 more than McDavid

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[Plastic Joseph]

Its really early. Remember the infamous "Crosby is running away with the art ross again" from 2015? He didn't win it, and he never won another.

I'm not saying Kuch can't take it, just so much can happen. I would say he is the favorite based solely on the fact he is the leader. but its not like he isn't catchable

 

[aylib]

Let’s revisit at halfway point.

 

[jcs0218]

With McDavid and Draisaitl struggling so far, Kucherov definitely has a chance at winning the Art Ross.

He is probably the 3rd best offensive player in the league after those two, and his past history provides evidence of this.

Unbelievable that The Hockey News didn't have him in their top 20 players ranking.

 

[El Travo]

He JUST took the lead. It's a little early to say "clear favourite".

 

[Akrapovince]

I don’t want to derail and take anything away from Kucherov, but despite his picture perfect start where you literally cannot ask any more from him, he still trails McDavid’s last season.

It’s crazy what Kucherov is doing this year but it’s just cool to take a step back and put it in perspective.

 

[Video Nasty]

Agreed. He has the proven track record and at the quarter mark of the season, he can be given the benefit of the doubt that he is a real threat to snapping McDavid’s Art Ross streak. Surprise surprise, I still think McDavid takes it, but with the early hole, it will take most of the season.

 

[Regal]

Hard not to say he’s the favourite at this point given his start and his past history plus McDavid and Draisaitl’s start. Still a long season though where the field is more likely

 

[MVP of West Hollywd]

After 2nd Art Ross would he be on track to surpass Malkin?

 

[eviohh26]

There is no clear favorite . It's more than likely going to be a tight race.

 

[Turin]

Guy is such an assassin. Everything he does is smooth and effortless yet with lethal precision.

 

[nuxnux1]

He’s unreal but it’s still too early to call this

 

[jcs0218]

Kucherov has proven he is perfectly capable of putting up 120-130 points.

In most seasons, minus McDavid last year, 120-130 is Art Ross territory.

McDavid heating up and possible injury are his biggest threats.

Other players near the top don't have Kucherov's track record. It isn't like Kucherov is #1 right now by some fluke.

 

[authentic]

I would not be shocked to see him win it this year. Hughes and McDavid being hurt could allow him to take it but the season isn’t a quarter way through yet so we’ll see, I still think if McDavid is healthy enough going forward he’ll be the leader in points again.

 

[BrendanGaunce4Selke]

6 points tonight, holy shit

 

[SillyRabbit]

For sure he's the frontrunner.

But I wouldn't count out McDavid, Draisaitl or MacKinnon just yet.

 

[Felidae]

6 points tonight, holy shit

Is that the most he's gotten in one game?

 

[Video Nasty]

Is that the most he's gotten in one game?

Broke his personal best of 5 points achieved four times, as recently as three weeks ago.

 

[Seanaconda]

Its really early. Remember the infamous "Crosby is running away with the art ross again" from 2015? He didn't win it, and he never won another.

I'm not saying Kuch can't take it, just so much can happen. I would say he is the favorite based solely on the fact he is the leader. but its not like he isn't catchable

Also only non oiler to win it in a while

 

[Zalos]

Well, I wouldn't be surprised if he got another 120+ points season. The question is if that will be enough to beat McDavid.

 

[AnInjuredJasonZucker]

Something, something, powerplay merchant...

 

[Sergei Shirokov]

I'd agree he's the favourite.

Of the Canucks Trio I'd say Miller is the best bet to contend, Petey's hurt and has fallen off a bit, Hughes is continually productive but its hard for Dmen to lead the whole year.

Pasta, Makar & Panarin are also top contenders. Panarin has been very consistent. Makar has been on fire & there's no reason to think he'll slow down. And Pasta especially I could see having a big time 5 point+ night like this pretty easily.

Early to say its clear with that kind of competition, but I'd say he's the best bet yes.

 

[Nathaniel Skywalker]

Well, I wouldn't be surprised if he got another 120+ points season. The question is if that will be enough to beat McDavid.

Mcdavids not scoring 110 never mind 120

 

[LightningStrikes]

Too early to tell but he has been terrific. Glad to see that he’s shooting more again instead of looking to pass 10/10 times. He has a wicked release.

 

[dellzor]

Mcdavids not scoring 110 never mind 120

Did it last year
Did it the year before
Would've done it in the COVID shortened year
Was on pace to do it 19-20
Was on pace to do it in 18-19