NHL MVP Odds: Auston Matthews Surges In NHL MVP Race Amid Epic Scoring Streak
NHL MVP Odds: Auston Matthews Surges In NHL MVP Race Amid Epic Scoring Streak
The 2024 NHL playoff push is offering thrills at every turn, including the current race for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the MVP of the league.
We've seen Nathan MacKinnon sit comfortably atop Hart Trophy awards markets for several weeks but there has been a lot of movement right behind him with Auston Matthews jumping to +220 and Nikita Kucherov in a close third at +250 odds. Due to the Colorado Avalanche cooling off after the All-Star Weekend, going 3-5-2 in their last 10 games played, MacKinnon's odds have flipped from -135 to +210 over a two-week span.
Matthews has made the biggest leap, as he's been red-hot with production on the ice, leading the league in goals by 13 at 52. Toronto is 8-2 in their last 10 and riding a seven-game win streak, which also boosts his bid at securing his second Hart Trophy. Meanwhile Connor McDavid and David Pastrnak have remained the final two, although the latter has sunk to under a two percent implied probability due to Boston's recent struggles.
NHL handicapper Matt MacKay is back to give his analysis on how to bet the latest NHL MVP odds for the 2023-24 Hart Trophy using the latest odds provided at FanDuel Sportsbook.
NHL MVP ODDS
Click here for the latest NHL MVP odds
| Player | Odds | Trending | Implied Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan MacKinnon | +210 | Down | 32.26% |
| Auston Matthews | +220 | Up | 31.25% |
| Nikita Kucherov | +250 | Down | 28.57% |
| Connor McDavid | +350 | Down | 22.22% |
| David Pastrnak | +5000 | Down | 1.96% |
NHL MVP ODDS BREAKDOWN
The days of getting Auston Matthews at +1300 or longer are now gone. We've been on Kucherov lately, since he's the league leader in total points, eclipsing 100 in a four-point effort during a road win over New Jersey on Sunday.
While Kucherov still holds firm in betting markets for a bid at his second Hart Trophy, Matthews is another previous winner that is benefitting from his incredible goal scoring ability paired with a potent Toronto Maple Leafs offense that has the team riding a seven-game win streak. He's gone from +700 a week ago to +220, nearly even in the betting market with MacKinnon.
McDavid is an interesting case study, since he's been heating up with his on-ice production as well, ranking third in total points (89) this season. The Oilers are a volatile group, going 4-5-1 in their last ten and currently on a three-game losing skid. McDavid still flashes his elite skillset nightly, recording two assists in four consecutive games entering Monday's home game against Los Angeles. At +350, he's a good candidate to invest in if Edmonton can turn around their momentum with wins, since he has plenty of stats to showcase.
Pastrnak has been the biggest liability in the top of the Hart Trophy market, crashing down from +1200 two weeks ago since Boston's 3-3-4 in their last ten games. The Bruins are nursing a one-point lead over Florida in the Atlantic and Pastrnak has slowed down, held to zero points in consecutive road contests against Calgary and Vancouver.
It's pretty evident that without top-notch goaltending, Pastrnak needs to be the solvent to the wound, but he's struggled lately, making him drop down to +5000. It doesn't hurt to sprinkle at such a large number, like a 0.10 unit wager, but only assuming the Bruins turn it around in time for the playoffs.
As it stands, my favorite candidates are Matthews, Kucherov, and McDavid. Toronto is the best team of those three right now, so the edge goes to Matthews, who has ten goals and 14 total points in his last six games played. +220 could look very appealing a week from now, while MacKinnon's production is being discredited due to Colorado's losses. Kucherov is also a good wager to make, especially since he racks up goals (38) and assists (64) fairly equally, while the Lightning are on a two-game win streak after a road trip against the Islanders and Devils. McDavid is on a frenzy with his assists, leading the league with 68, so he's also a good candidate to invest in ahead of Edmonton inevitably getting back into the win column.
For longshot candidates outside of Pastrnak at +5000, I like sprinkling 0.10 unit wagers on Artemi Panarin at +5000 and Sidney Crosby at +10000 as well.
NHL ODDS
Matt is an avid writer, editor, and researcher. He enjoys analyzing the game within the game which is fantasy sports and sports betting. Music is another constant in his daily life. Matt loves spending time with his wife and three pets. He likes to read, listen to podcasts, and is constantly motivated to create the most accurate and engaging content in the sports betting industry.