Three Contenders and One Dark Horse For The '21-'22 Hart Trophy

Since the season hasn't even started yet, let's make some far-too-early predictions about who will be adding to their personal accolades when the next NHL awards season comes around in the summer of 2022. Here are three strong contenders and one dark horse for next season's Hart Trophy as the MVP of the league.

Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)

MacKinnon has skyrocketed into stardom in recent years, taking his Avs team from an uncertainty to a certified contender with his blend of speed, skill, and intense competitiveness. The Avalanche have been a top team in the league for a couple seasons now, and a big year from MacKinnon could carry them all the way to a Stanley Cup. He's got some tough competition, so his production will have to be consistent, but he's certainly got it in him.

Connor McDavid/Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)

The past two Hart Trophy winners play on the same team, so only one is going to qualify. Either one could do it, it really just boils down to who can score more points. The odds on favourite is McDavid, but an injury could see Draisaitl putting up more points by the season's end. The Oilers need to make the playoffs for either one to win it though, an unspoken criteria the Hart Trophy has always possessed.

Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Last season's Rocket Richard Trophy winner as the league's top scorer looks like he'll always be a contender for the Hart, so long as he keeps playing at this level. Matthews may be the best goal-scorer in the NHL, and he is his team's top forward on a nightly basis. The Leafs find themselves in a stacked division, however, and Matthews will need to not only produce, but get his team enough wins to make the post-season to be in consideration. 

Dark Horse: Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers)

Panarin has been one of the NHL's best forwards for several seasons. The trouble is, he's always been playing on bubble teams ever since he broke into the league with the Chicago Blackhawks. Now playing for the Rangers, Panarin is a superstar playing in the league's biggest market. A playoff berth for the Rangers led by Panarin's exciting style of play will put him in contention for the Hart above some other more expected names.

Who do you think takes home the Hart Trophy next season?

Photo credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports