Prior to the start of the season, the thought that Macklin Celebrini could win the Hart Trophy was farfetched. Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnin and Nikita Kucherov all were viewed as the favorites, with McDavid likely the top candidate. Close to 80% through the 2025-26 campaign, this thought is not wild speculation.

Now, thanks to brilliant season, Celebrini has moved into the top three in terms of odds for the award. McDavid, MacKinnon and Kucherov all are having fantastic seasons. But if you look at who has been the "most valuable player," the winner should be hands down Celebrini.

What do you think?