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Wayne Gretzky has made his choice clear in the Hart Trophy debate for the 2025-26 NHL season. The hockey icon believes Connor McDavid deserves the award after another dominant season with the Edmonton Oilers.
Speaking on NHLonTNT, Gretzky praised several standout players across the league.
Gretzky highlighted Cole Caufield (51 goals) for his scoring surge and impact in Montreal. He also pointed to Macklin Celebrini (112 points) for an impressive sophomore season despite missing the playoffs. Gretzky even mentioned Philadelphia’s rise behind its netminder, Dan Vladar.
MORE: NHL agents back $20M AAV ‘monster deal’ for Macklin Celebrini
“My three guys that are probably not going to win the Hart but deserve a lot of credit: Cole Caufield in Montreal. I mean, what a year,” Gretzky said. “Rocket Richard-type season. Look at how exciting their team is. … Celebrini, probably missing the playoffs, hurt him a little bit, but he’s had a phenomenal year.
“And then, gosh, my real dark horse was the goaltender in Philadelphia. Look at the year he had. Look where they are. They’re in the playoffs. He’s been outstanding.”
Still, the conversation returned to the league’s elite core. Nikita Kucherov (130 points) and Nathan MacKinnon (127 points) both delivered outstanding seasons. Kucherov drove Tampa Bay’s offense, while MacKinnon powered Colorado to the top of the standings with another high-scoring (53 goals) campaign.
“Kucherov has been unbelievable in Tampa Bay,” Gretzky said. “How can you not vote for MacKinnon? First place overall. Another stellar year.”
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) is congratulated at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Despite that competition, Gretzky leaned toward McDavid, who, despite injuries to teammates, including Leon Draisaitl, carried a heavier load for long stretches.
“My vote would go to Connor McDavid on the basis that Edmonton has had kind of an up-and-down year all season, and made a lot of changes,” Gretzky said. “He’s missed Hyman and Draisaitl for a great period of time, but he’s still putting up numbers, and he’s still the best player in the National Hockey League. So I would vote for Connor McDavid if I had to vote.”
MORE: Oilers coach trusts goalie Connor Ingram’s form ahead of NHL playoffs
McDavid truly lives up to the compliment with his elite production. He has 134 points with one game remaining in the regular season, leading the NHL once again. His ability to control games (he has three hat tricks this season) and create offense remained unmatched, even when the Oilers struggled for consistency.
While other candidates thrived on balanced teams, McDavid often had to elevate his group through adversity.
So, the Hart Trophy race remains one of the tightest in recent years. Several players have strong cases based on production and team success. However, Gretzky’s view adds weight to McDavid’s candidacy.
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Speaking on NHLonTNT, Gretzky praised several standout players across the league.
Gretzky highlighted Cole Caufield (51 goals) for his scoring surge and impact in Montreal. He also pointed to Macklin Celebrini (112 points) for an impressive sophomore season despite missing the playoffs. Gretzky even mentioned Philadelphia’s rise behind its netminder, Dan Vladar.
MORE: NHL agents back $20M AAV ‘monster deal’ for Macklin Celebrini
“My three guys that are probably not going to win the Hart but deserve a lot of credit: Cole Caufield in Montreal. I mean, what a year,” Gretzky said. “Rocket Richard-type season. Look at how exciting their team is. … Celebrini, probably missing the playoffs, hurt him a little bit, but he’s had a phenomenal year.
“And then, gosh, my real dark horse was the goaltender in Philadelphia. Look at the year he had. Look where they are. They’re in the playoffs. He’s been outstanding.”
Still, the conversation returned to the league’s elite core. Nikita Kucherov (130 points) and Nathan MacKinnon (127 points) both delivered outstanding seasons. Kucherov drove Tampa Bay’s offense, while MacKinnon powered Colorado to the top of the standings with another high-scoring (53 goals) campaign.
“Kucherov has been unbelievable in Tampa Bay,” Gretzky said. “How can you not vote for MacKinnon? First place overall. Another stellar year.”
Gretzky picked Connor McDavid as his Hart Trophy pick
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Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) is congratulated at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Despite that competition, Gretzky leaned toward McDavid, who, despite injuries to teammates, including Leon Draisaitl, carried a heavier load for long stretches.
“My vote would go to Connor McDavid on the basis that Edmonton has had kind of an up-and-down year all season, and made a lot of changes,” Gretzky said. “He’s missed Hyman and Draisaitl for a great period of time, but he’s still putting up numbers, and he’s still the best player in the National Hockey League. So I would vote for Connor McDavid if I had to vote.”
MORE: Oilers coach trusts goalie Connor Ingram’s form ahead of NHL playoffs
McDavid truly lives up to the compliment with his elite production. He has 134 points with one game remaining in the regular season, leading the NHL once again. His ability to control games (he has three hat tricks this season) and create offense remained unmatched, even when the Oilers struggled for consistency.
While other candidates thrived on balanced teams, McDavid often had to elevate his group through adversity.
So, the Hart Trophy race remains one of the tightest in recent years. Several players have strong cases based on production and team success. However, Gretzky’s view adds weight to McDavid’s candidacy.
Continue reading...
