NHL MVP Odds: Nathan MacKinnon Gains Bigger Lead in NHL MVP Race Over Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov
NHL MVP Odds: Nathan MacKinnon Gains Bigger Lead in NHL MVP Race Over Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov
The NHL playoff push has begun to separate the Stanley Cup contenders from pretenders. As a result, the NHL MVP odds for the 2024 Hart Trophy have also changed drastically in the past week.
Whether due to on-ice production, the dynamic of an MVP candidate's team overall, or both, we've seen a significant shift in NHL Awards markets for the league MVP. As a result, Nathan MacKinnon has catapulted himself back into a sizable lead to secure his first Hart Trophy, climbing from even odds a week ago to -230 on FanDuel Sportsbook.
NHL handicapper Matt MacKay is here with his latest betting strategies to turn a profit in the NHL Awards betting market for the 2024 Hart Trophy.
NHL MVP ODDS
| PLAYER | ODDS | TRENDING | IMPLIED CHANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan MacKinnon | -230 | Up | 69.70% |
| Connor McDavid | 440 | Down | 18.52% |
| Nikita Kucherov | 500 | Down | 16.67% |
| Auston Matthews | 1400 | Down | 6.67% |
Two weeks ago, at the beginning of March, Auston Matthews was the odds-on favorite to win his second Hart Trophy, jumping Nathan MacKinnon to +165 odds, compared to MacKinnon's +210 odds.
Since that happened, we've seen oddsmakers fully shift back toward Nathan MacKinnon, as he's climbed to even odds (+100) a week ago, while drying up to -230 at FanDuel Sportsbook this week. It makes sense, especially with MacKinnon willing Colorado to six consecutive victories, while generating five goals during this stretch.
Conversely, Auston Matthews' production has slowed dramatically. He's still leading the NHL in goals scored (55), but Matthews' frenzied pace has come to a virtual halt. He's scored twice in the past seven games played, while recording two assists. Toronto is 6-3-1 in their last ten, losing twice to Boston, which also plays a role in why his Hart Trophy odds have become so long at +1400.
Connor McDavid remains an intriguing MVP prospect at +440. Nikita Kucherov is the other contender at +500. Both players have previously won at least one Hart Trophy, while remaining an integral part of their offense, whether assisting or scoring.
Edmonton is 7-1-2 in their last ten, with McDavid contributing two multi-point games in his last five games played, including back-to-back goals. Ending his scoring slump certainly helps his bid, although McDavid, who has won three Hart Trophy awards in previous seasons, appears to be locked in to make a Stanley Cup run.
Kucherov is second in total points (114), sixth in goals (40), and second in goals created (41.5) this season. Tampa Bay may have turned their entire season around with the moves made at the trade deadline. The Lightning have won three straight and are 6-3-1 in their last ten games, building a lead over other Eastern Conference Wild Card hopefuls.
With these latest odds, MacKinnon is completely off the radar at -230. We had multiple chances to invest in him with plus odds, but now that Colorado is riding a big win streak, spearheaded by MacKinnon, he's once again the odds-on favorite to win his first Hart Trophy award. Matthews is the most valuable he's been in weeks at +1400, so sprinkling on this number makes sense.
Choosing between McDavid and Kucherov is the biggest decision when it comes to betting on the Hart Trophy futures market right now. Both have bigger goals in mind, with a collection of MVPs won during previous seasons, but their production and their team's ability to contend remain strong.
Let's invest in Kucherov at +500 odds, since he seems to be setting up or finishing a scoring possession for the Lightning on every sequence. As long as Tampa Bay continues to pump out goals against quality opponents, with Kucherov remaining involved, his +500 odds are too big of a value to ignore.
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.