NHL Reveals Finalists for Hart Trophy, Auston Matthews Overlooked
In its recent announcement, the NHL unveiled the three contenders for the prestigious Hart Trophy, but notably absent from the list was Auston Matthews.
Traditionally bestowed upon the league’s most valuable player, this year’s Hart Trophy finalists exclude Matthews, a decision sparking debate within the hockey community.
The 2023-24 Hart Trophy nominees comprise Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, and Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Despite Matthews setting a record for the most goals scored in the salary cap era and showcasing elite defensive prowess, his omission from the finalists’ circle has stirred controversy. Critics argue that a newfound emphasis on players amassing secondary assists may have influenced the selection process.
Matthews’ absence as a Hart Trophy finalist can be attributed, in part, to his lack of substantial five-on-five play alongside another prolific goal scorer. Unlike his counterparts, who enjoyed more extensive partnerships with fellow 40+ goal scorers, Matthews primarily shared the ice with William Nylander, the sole 40-goal scorer for the Maple Leafs, during just 13% of his playing time at five-on-five.
The disparity in secondary assists garnered by MacKinnon, McDavid, and Kucherov further widens the gap between Matthews and the finalists. While secondary assists are often credited generously and are more indicative of chance rather than skill, Matthews’ dominance in crucial five-on-five metrics, such as goals and primary points, is undeniable. Leading the league in even-strength goals and ranking second in five-on-five primary points, Matthews demonstrates his offensive prowess.
Examining the distribution of goals scored for each team at five-on-five, Matthews emerges as the standout contributor, accounting for 19% of the Maple Leafs’ goals compared to his competitors’ lower percentages. Moreover, Matthews boasts an impressive primary point percentage on the power play, further underscoring his offensive impact.
Notably, Matthews’ defensive acumen is not overlooked, as evidenced by his nomination as a finalist for the Selke Trophy, which recognizes the NHL’s top defensive forwards.
Given Matthews’ stellar performance as the league’s premier goal scorer and his defensive contributions, many are perplexed by his exclusion from the Hart Trophy finalists. His remarkable season is destined to be celebrated for years to come.
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