Currently in the midst of an epic playoff run with the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid has unquestionably been the driving force behind their success. As a 2022 Hart Trophy finalist and the star of the team, McDavid has been consistently dominant for the Oilers all year. The other players joining him in this tight race are Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers as finalists for the NHL MVP award.
Not to take anything away from Matthews and Shesterkin, cause both players have had great seasons, but McDavid continues to show why he's the frontrunner for the prestigious award with his stellar play. Especially after the Oilers beat the Calgary Flames handily in five games. With that, we'll now discuss three reasons why the Edmonton Oilers superstar should be named the winner of the Hart Trophy in 2022.
Connor McDavid is most deserving of the 2022 Hart Trophy
1. Connor McDavid has had elite numbers all throughout the 2021-22 NHL campaign
As the best player in the game, McDavid set a career high this season with 123 points (44 goals, 79 assists). Posting elite numbers like this isn't anything new for the 25 year-old wunderkind. Time and again, McDavid has hit clutch shots, made crisp passes, and set the pace for this explosive Oilers squad.
His killer play across the board has been laying the foundation for Edmonton's success this year. After having led the Oilers to another big series win over the Flames, McDavid's now notched 26 points (7 goals, 19 assists). There's no denying that he'll have to keep this up as the Oilers have their sights set on hoisting the Stanley Cup Trophy in 2022.
2. He's led the Oilers all the way to the Western Conference Finals
Fresh off his game-winning overtime goal that sent the Flames packing in Game 5, McDavid's dynamic scoring and playmaking has led the Oilers closer to an elusive title run. His outstanding performance in the second round was just further proof that his value to Edmonton is truly unmatched. With this being McDavid's longest postseason run with the Oilers, it's safe to say that he's on par for his best individual season yet.
3. McDavid's impact to his team has been greater than that of Matthews and Shesterkin
Playing alongside talents like Evander Kane, Leon Draisaitl, and Kailer Yamamoto definitely helps, but there's no denying that Connor McDavid makes everyone around him better when he's on the ice. Whether he's cradling the puck coast-to-coast and leading them in transition or anchoring their power play, McDavid has led the Oilers the furthest he's ever been.
Now just 4 wins away from making his first appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals, McDavid has found himself on the verge of championship stardom. Auston Matthews was the biggest part of the Toronto Maple Leafs going seven games with the reigning champion Tampa Bay Lightning.
Igor Shesterkin has been vital in helping the New York Rangers fight their way back into their series with the Carolina Hurricanes. McDavid has also previously won the award twice (2017, 2021). However, McDavid's dominance all throughout the playoffs has been too hard to overlook. As he aims to join elite company and cement his place amongst the all-time greats in NHL history, McDavid doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon.
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