2025-26 NHL MVP Odds: Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov Among Preseason Favorites for Hart Trophy
Kirill Kaprizov just signed a massive extension with the Minnesota Wild, can he beat out MacKinnon and McDavid for the NHL MVP award this year? Matt MacKay breaks down the latest MVP odds and discusses some dark horse candidates.
Matt MacKay - October 7, 2025, 5:15 PM EDT
5 Minute Read2025-26 NHL MVP Odds: Is Kirill Kaprizov A Strong Candidate to Win Hart Trophy After Contract Extension?
The 2025-26 NHL season drops puck tonight with a triple-header to reward hockey fans. While these six teams will prepare for their first matchup of the year, it's a great time to look ahead into futures awards betting markets.
Last year's Hart Memorial Trophy winner was Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He was the first goaltender to win this NHL MVP regular season award since Carey Price did it with the Montreal Canadiens in 2015. Current betting favorites include Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Nikita Kucherov, and Kirill Kaprizov.
NHL handicapper Matt MacKay is here with three different players to invest in to win the Hart Memorial Trophy in current NHL MVP futures markets. Follow Matt's X account for more NHL betting insight and free picks.
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2026 NHL MVP Odds
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NHL MVP Odds Breakdown
Kirill Kaprizov (+1100) Click here to get the best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
Coming off of a massive eight-year, $136 million contract extension with the Minnesota Wild, LW Kirill Kaprizov is already a pre-season betting favorite to win his first Hart Memorial Trophy at +1100 odds. The 28-year-old missed roughly half of last season due to injury, but he still managed to record 25 goals and 56 points in just 41 games played.
He's a dynamic player with a ton of skill in the offensive zone that sets himself and Wild teammates up for success. Kaprizov hasn't finished with less than 25 goals in any of the five seasons he's played in the NHL and he could be set up for a monster campaign this year.
These odds are too good to pass up at 11-1. Minnesota was a playoff-caliber team a year ago, so as long as they build off of that success moving forward, Kaprizov will strengthen his chances of winning his first career NHL MVP.
David Pastrnak (+2800) Click here to get the best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
Boston fell apart after trading away Brad Marchand to Florida last season. The Bruins are definitely looking forward to a fresh start, with star RW David Pastrnak ready to continue his high-end production in 2025-26.
Pastrnak has not won a Hart Memorial Trophy, despite logging over 40 goals in four consecutive seasons. He's recorded three straight seasons with over `100 points, finishing runner-up in the NHL MVP race in 2022-23 against Connor McDavid.
Oddsmakers are discounting Pastrnak due to the optics surrounding Boston from their finish last season. We need to take advantage of this price, especially if the Bruins wind up making the playoffs.
Bet on Pastrnak to breakthrough with his first NHL MVP during his 12th season in the league at +2800 odds.
Jack Hughes (+3500) Click here to get the best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
New Jersey's reliance upon Jack Hughes showed up in a big way down the stretch and into the playoffs last year. The 24-year-old center has made two All-Star appearances and has scored 26 or more goals in four straight seasons with the Devils.
During his 99 point campaign in 2022-23, Hughes finished eighth in Hart Memorial Trophy voting. Now, he's fully healthy and looking to lead New Jersey onto a deep playoff run.
Hughes' blend of speed and finishing abilities makes him a fun longshot to target in the NHL MVP betting markets at a lucrative 35-1 price. If he can avoid injury, expect the Devils to be a top Eastern Conference contender, potentially creating a scenario for Hughes' first 100-point season during his seventh year in the league.
NHL ODDS
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