Phil Kessel's chances at the Hart Trophy?

[LeafsNation75]

I got the idea for this question from the thread asking about Kessel's chances for the Rocket Richard Trophy.

Hypothetical let's say Phil Kessel finishes 2nd overall in total goals scored, top 5 in totals points and the Leafs make the playoffs. What chances do you give him of being a finalist for the Hart Trophy?

Also in this scenario the Washington Capitals miss the playoffs, however Alexader Ovechkin scores 60 goals and is nominated for the Hart Trophy. Let's remember it's happened before when players from teams who miss the playoffs have been finalist for this award like Jarome Iginla in 2002.

Does Ovechkin deserve the award more than Kessel if all the other things I mentioned actually happen? I have had some people tell me Kessel would never be nominated for the Hart because the media would make sure it doesn't happen.

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[TMLegend]

0%.

/thread

Phil Kessel isn't even the most valuable player on his team. Never mind the whole NHL.

 

[Divine]

Given Kessel's nature as a player (not physical/strong 2 way) he'd have to hit 100+ points this year to even be considered.

 

[leach11]

0%.

/thread

Phil Kessel isn't even the most valuable player on his team. Never mind the whole NHL.

The only player you could consider to be more valuable is Bernier, and even that is a stretch.

 

[indigobuffalo]

The only player you could consider to be more valuable is Bernier, and even that is a stretch.

Phaneuf is way more valuable.

Without Phaneuf Kessel's goals would all be vain attempts to try and keep the score close as we lose every game 8-3...

 

[Flyinghab]

I'd say thus far Bernier has been your most valuable player.

 

[93LEAFS]

I could see Kessel being a finalist if he gets 90 or more points and the Leafs make the playoffs. Right now though I think Crosby is pretty far ahead of the pack, followed by Getzlaf. The next tier i'd say are guys like Kane, Kessel, Ovechkin, St Louis and Tavares. Would love to see Phil get the recognition as even a finalist, but baring an injury i can't see Crosby not getting it.

 

[Community]

Kessel will be our player with the highest chance at being our MVP, whether he deserves it or not (he does) because he's our flashiest player. I love Phaneuf, but we are always arguing if he's a good #1 or an elite #2 (he's definitely a good #1) while everybody knows Kessel's a top 3 RW in the game, possibly the best depending on who you ask. Kessel's put this team on his back the last month while Bernier's been mediocre (not bashing Bernier, he's been amazing and the team needs to bail him out more, but lately he's been lacklustre).

Kessel would need to be top 3 in points and 2nd in goals for him to get serious consideration though IMHO.

 

[Holymakinaw]

I like Kessel and all that but.........honestly, he has almost no chance at all. It would take a miracle.

 

[Christ]

Slim at best. Kessel would need to lead the league in points to be considered.

 

[Mess]

If he wins the Rocket then and only then would he even receive consideration for the Hart.

 

[Deebo]

I think he'll get some 3rd-5th place votes.

 

[ConnorTO]

Phil Kessel isn't even the most valuable player on his team.

yeah the leafs dont even need Kessel to win games

 

[TheThrill81*]

I'd say thus far Bernier has been your most valuable player.

But in reality it's a toss-up between Phaneuf and Kessel.

 

[hatterson]

The only way a guy like Kessel wins the Hart is if he wins the Art Ross.

 

[The CyNick]

It's crosby's this year

Phil should be in the conversation, but honestlyi would be shocked if he was even nominated

 

[Auzzie19]

Phaneuf is way more valuable.

Without Phaneuf Kessel's goals would all be vain attempts to try and keep the score close as we lose every game 8-3...

Ah, but it's 2 way street, without Kessel's Goals Phaneuf would look like an average d-man with allowing all these goals.

Anyway to answer OP, 0%. Too many factors on this team to single out just 1.

- Kessel
- Kadri
- Bernier
- Phaneuf

 

[pucci2001]

I feel like Corey Perry and Crosby have the best shot at being the Hart winner. Crosby for obvious reasons and Perry because he has an obscene amount of game winners and is lighting it up this year as well. Anaheim is doing well as a team but there have been a lot of nights where Perry put the team on his back.

 

[MastuhNinks]

He'd be a more deserving finalist than Tavares was last year if he was top 5 in scoring.

 

[Grant]

Crosby, Ovechkin, Getzlaf, Tavares, Bishop, Kane have all been awesome this year. Harding I think was the favourite before he stopped playing. Kessel COULD win, but a lot of things need to occur for that to happen.

 

[KuleminFan41]

0%.

/thread

Phil Kessel isn't even the most valuable player on his team. Never mind the whole NHL.

Really? All you ever hear is how important he is to the team, how if he doesn't perform the Leafs don't either. I swear people have this bias against Leaf players, even their own fans fall for that kind of crap. Put Kessel on any other team and he'd be considered for it. Not saying Kessel deserves it but holy, if we had Crosby I'm sure a good portion of the fan base would crap on him too

 

[Mess]

He'd be a more deserving finalist than Tavares was last year if he was top 5 in scoring.

The Islanders play at the cap floor and have one of the lowest team salaries, and as such are considered underdogs against most opponents on a nightly basis. They also made the playoffs because Tavares was identified as the one carrying them there by his contributions against teams and opponents that spend much more on NHL player salaries.

The Hart is awarded for MVP status. While JT was never going to win it, he was still recognized by his importance.

 

[SprDaVE]

Unless he can keep up his pace of his last 15 or so games, then 0% chance. He'll really need to finish the year extremely hot.

 

[Quares27]

Can't see his reputation being good enough to ever win the Hart... it was only a year ago that guys like Cox were saying he needed to be traded even after he put up an 80 point season. And that is our own media who watches him every game saying that so I can only imagine the negative connotation around the league, although his reputation has gone up considerably in the last season and a half.

 

[BiggestLeafsFanEVER*]

Obviously it would be nice but I don't think there's any chance at it happening. Just making top 5 would be great.