Top-5 Art Ross Trophy Candidates for 2022-23 Season

The 2022-23 NHL season is around the corner and we're here to spotlight players to watch for end of the year awards. This segment we focus on the five best pre-season candidates for the Art Ross trophy, handed out to the league leader in points.

Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

An easy place to start, Connor McDavid registered 123 points in 80 games last season and will be doing much more of the same in 2022-23. Another season of playing with Evander Kane will help, however there's a new focus on defense in Edmonton so it will be curious to see if the numbers decline at all. McDavid won the award by eight points last season, he's very likely to do the same in 2022-23.

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs

If Auston Matthews can stay healthy for 82-games, he's going to finish top-3 in NHL scoring. Another season of Michael Bunting and Mitch Marner will go a long way and look for his assists numbers to go up from his 46 last season. 65 goals are within reach and Matthews at 25 years old is still getting stronger as he enters the prime of his career. Expect a massive season from the Maple Leafs superstar, one that will see him finish fighting for the Art Ross trophy.

Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers are a two-headed monster and Leon Draisaitl will build off his 110-point season from a year ago, thanks to some familiarity with his linemates. Draisaitl is a specimen, built on speed, strength, smarts and savvy.

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It's pretty crazy to think a player who produces so much can kind of be underrated, but that's the case with Draisaitl as he's often in McDavid's shadow. 55 goals and 55 assists last season, expect much more of the same in 2022-23, with Draisaitl joining Matthews and McDavid as the top-three point getters this season.

Jonathan Huberdeau, Calgary Flames

The Flames are going to be fun to watch as everyone looks on wondering what type of chemistry they can come up with and how long it will take them to find it.

Jonathan Huberdeau is going to play heavy minutes in Calgary and while another 115-point season may be out of reach just given the system his new team plays, look for 'Huby' to once again be a top-five finalist for the Art Ross trophy.

Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs

After finishing 10th last season, look for Mitch Marner to take a leap forward this season and finish in the top five. He posted 97 points in 72 games last season and if he's able to stay on the ice for at least 80 games in 2022-23, Marner is going to be lights out once again,

The line of Marner, Matthews and Bunting did damage last season in Toronto and expectations are they do much more of the same in 2022-23. Sorry Johnny Gaudreau, Kirill Kaprizov, Steven Stamkos, Matthew Tkachuk, and J.T Miller, Marner is finishing ahead of you this season.

Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports