Could Tim Stutzle End Up In The Hart Trophy Conversation?

It's still early days in the NHL season, but the Ottawa Senators have looked terrific.

And somewhat quietly, Senators star center Tim Stutzle is starting to make a solid case for himself to be in the conversation for the Hart Trophy as the regular-season's most valuable player.

Now, don't take this to mean we believe Stutzle is a lock to win the Hart. Given how well Senators goalie Linus Ullmark has played this season, Stutzle may not be the MVP on his team at this time, let alone the entire NHL.

But Stutzle is having a terrific year thus far, and the stats bear that out.

In his first seven games this season, Stutzle leads the Senators with five goals, 11 points, and a plus-5 rating, all while averaging a career-high 21:45 of ice time per game – beating his career average of 19:40.

He's got a short-handed goal, a power-play marker and more points at even strength (8) than anyone else on the team has at all strengths, including one game-winning goal. Stutzle has also won 44 of 76 faceoffs this year, carrying a 57.9 percent win rate that's easily his best number in that facet of the game.

Not only has Stutzle risen to the occasion, he's also in his first season without former linemate Brady Tkachuk. He's also without the Senators' top-line replacement in William Eklund as he recovers from an ankle injury for the next two months.

Stutzle has been tasked as Ottawa's offensive play-driver, he's excelled in that role, and it's resulted in a positive start for the team. Before their loss to the St. Louis Blues, their 5-1-0 record through the opening six games was the best start in franchise history since the 2007-08 season.

With the caveat that Stutzle needs to stay close to this level if he's going to be a legitimate contender, it's possible that he could separate himself from the rest of the team in scoring by a wide margin. Ottawa has a roster that's capable of competing for a top spot in the Atlantic Division, and he'll undoubtedly be at the forefront of their success if that occurs.

If those things happen, doesn't Stutzle deserve at least a few votes for the Hart? For an award that goes to a player most valuable to their team, it's hard to argue that he wouldn't get some consideration.

When he was drafted with the No. 3 pick in 2020, Stutzle came with sky-high expectations. He likely won't maintain this offensive pace, but this start has shown a new level of offense that most may not have anticipated he could reach.

Considering Stutzle is only 24, it would be a major win for Senators fans if he were to even hover around this range, knowing the best days are likely still to come.

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