NHL MVP ODDS: Nathan MacKinnon Takes Dominating Lead in MVP Race Amid Avs' Winning Streak
The Avalanche just won nine games in a row, thanks in part to Nathan MacKinnon's electric performances. The run has led him to become a massive favorite in the MVP race with just a few weeks remaining. Matthew MacKay breaks down the latest MVP odds to see if anyone can catch MacKinnon.
Matt MacKay
| 5 min
NHL MVP Odds: Nathan MacKinnon Takes Dominating Lead in MVP Race Amid Avs' Winning Streak
The NHL MVP odds seem to be moving in one direction following a back-and-forth see-saw battle between these current top four candidates. The Hart Trophy has only eluded one of these four players, who just so happens to be the odds-on favorite at -300.
Nathan MacKinnon has been the primary factor in Colorado breaking its slump, recording nine consecutive wins to climb back into the top seed in the Central Division, with a chance to clinch the President's Trophy with 97 total points. MacKinnon has recorded multi-point outings in back-to-back games and hasn't been held without a point since February 10.
Nikita Kucherov's odds haven't changed at all, remaining at +500 odds in the Hart Trophy futures market. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews have slid down further, with the longest odds we've seen in a few weeks. With only 10-12 games left for teams to play in the 2023-24 regular season, the Hart Trophy appears to be wrapped up, with prospective first-time winner, Nathan MacKinnon, set to earn the regular season MVP.
NHL handicapper Matt MacKay is back to share his latest insight on the Hart Trophy futures market as the regular season comes to an end.
NHL MVP ODDS
PLAYER | ODDS | TRENDING | IMPLIED CHANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
Nathan MacKinnon | -300 | Up | 75% |
Nikita Kucherov | +500 | No Change | 16.67% |
Connor McDavid | +600 | Down | 14.29% |
Auston Matthews | +1500 | Down | 6.25% |
We've already dug up the reasons why MacKinnon jumped from plus odds to -300 in the span of three weeks. Colorado's nine-game winning streak is also a significant factor in the odds favoring MacKinnon, who is seemingly involved on every scoring possession that the Avalanche produce.
It's interesting to see Kucherov's odds stay neutral at +500 odds from last week until now. Tampa Bay has gone 7-1-2 in its last 10 games, making moves at the trade deadline to bolster their roster, most notably, adding Anthony Duclair. Kucherov was held without a point for the first time in 13 games during the Lightning's 3-2 overtime win against Anaheim.
Connor McDavid's relentless pace for assists continues, but his odds to win the Hart Trophy are growing longer due to Edmonton's 5-3-2 record recently. The Oilers have lost by two or more in back-to-back games, including a 5-3 loss to Ottawa, which certainly has contributed to McDavid's slide, despite individual statistics remaining consistent.
Finally, Auston Matthews' brief run at a second Hart Trophy has abruptly ended. Toronto's top goal scorer, who remains the NHL's top goal scorer by an eight-goal margin (58), has helped facilitate more scoring possessions in recent contests. Matthew did notch five points, including two goals, against Washington a week ago, but the Maple Leafs' 5-4-1 last 10 record has also dropped him out of being a favorite for the 2024 Hart Trophy.
Outside of MacKinnon, whose number is now to short to bet at a value, we're either banking on Kucherov or McDavid to make a late push. This is mostly dependent on how their teams fare in the final ten games of the regular season, which favors McDavid at +600, as the Oilers play teams like Calgary, Arizona, San Jose, and Anaheim to close their season. Sprinkling a 0.25 unit wager on McDavid is a decent investment.
NHL ODDS
