I certainly think a major case needs to be made by folks who have a national audience about the importance of defense in regards to the Hart. Not to mention we need to start using more advanced analytics. Hockey is getting left behind in this regard and while you can't use the same methods as say baseball (more of a 1 on 1 game) there are already metrics I think make a lot of sense and I'm sure we can develop others. Hell, there are people on this forum that have done amazing statistical analysis that goes beyond raw data.
The problem with voting is it is largely a popularity contest. And with the emergence of fantasy sports and betting, offense gets all the glory.
Do I honestly think Kucherov is literally the most valuable player in hockey? No. He's a one way winger. Yes, his offensive value is very high (although not quite as impressive on the surface when you look at the PP numbers). And he does play on a stacked roster that is having a season on par with any of Bowman's Montreal squads. He'll win the Hart in a landslide and while I don't have a major problem with him winning, I certainly don't think it's so cut and dried by just looking at points. As I've said a million times, it's lazy analysis.
I mean look at how many people scoff at Crosby getting Selke recognition this year. A lot of it is simply folks who don't like the guy and will not enteratain the possibility that he has played at or near a Selke level defensively this year. Some of it stems from Crosby being a dominant offensive force earlier in his career while maintaining strong numbers even well past his prime.
But break down the numbers, raw AND advanced, watch the games and it's clear as day the impact 87 has had defensively for the Pens this year. Yeah the points are impressive given his age and the workload he's had, but I truly am most impressed by the big strides he's made defensively the past few years, especially this year.
I'm not saying he should win, but his career arc is very, very similar to Yzerman in terms of being offensively slanted in his early to mid 20's (without being a black hole mind you like a Bill Cowley or Ovechkin if you want a modern day player) to solid, to having a year where he's clearly taken a major step towards the top. I'm not surprised in the least given Sid's admiration for Yzerman or his work ethic. But there will always be a barrier against him due to factors I mentioned above (while conversely, some will just give him the adulation without even watching the games). Works both ways, as is life in general.
But getting back to wingers and the Hart. I agree in principle with
@Dreakmur
Wingers are the least important position hockey. That's absolutely backed up when you look at SC winners over the history of the league, especially post expansion when talent was more dispersed. And as hockey has become more and more regimented/structured, C's have taken on more responsibilities in all 3 zones. Rarely do you see W's anchoring a line defensively. Mark Stone is a rare exception and I do think he should be getting more Selke love. But being stuck in Ottawa didn't help at all. Maybe playing on a winner in Vegas will garner him more exposure.
Now, with that being said, I'm not going to rage when Kuch gets the Hart. He's had a fantastic year and plays on the best team in the league by a mile. This Lightning team will be a colossal failure if they don't win the Cup. It's a lot of pressure but having the kind of season they've had will do that.
