Forget The Norris, Canucks Quinn Hughes Should Be A Hart Trophy Candidate This Season
Vancouver Canucks Quinn Hughes deserves to be in the Hart Trophy conversation.
There are few defensemen in the NHL playing at the same level as Quinn Hughes. The Vancouver Canucks captain has 32 points in 26 games and recently became just the fourth player since the start of the 2023-24 season to record 100 assists. While Hughes is one of the favourites to take home this year's Norris Trophy, his play this season should also put him in the conversation for this year's Hart Trophy.
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Throughout NHL history, defensemen have been overlooked for the Hart Trophy. The last defender to take home the award was Chris Pronger in 2000, which was also the last time a defenceman finished as a finalist. Similar to the NFL, where a Quarterback wins the MVP award almost every year, defensemen are often forgotten when it comes to voting for the Hart Trophy.
Before diving into Hughes' case, it is important to note the definition of the Hart Trophy. According to the NHL, "The Hart Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team." The award is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, with every voter's vote posted online after the winner is revealed.
Based on the definition Hughes should be in the conversation for the Hart Trophy. Not only has he developed into one of the best players in the NHL, but the Canucks have struggled when he is not on the ice. Below is a comparison of Vancouver's play at even-strength when Hughes is on the ice versus on the bench using Natural Stat Trick.
The numbers in the above table show just how valuable Hughes is when he is on the ice. Despite an over 200-minute difference, the Canucks failed the score more as well as generate scoring chances at the same rate as when Hughes was on the ice. He is clearly the player most valuable to his team, which fills the definition required to win the Hart Trophy.
In addition to being Vancouver's MVP, Hughes' even-strength analytics are some of the best in the NHL. His 37 goals rank tied with Mikko Rantanen for third, while his 309 shots while on the ice rank eighth. Hughes also ranks in the top 15 for on-ice scoring chances and on-ice high-danger scoring chances, while his 19 even-strength points are tied with Cale Makar for the most by a defenceman this season. Based on his analytics, it is hard to argue that Hughes is not one of the top players in the NHL this season, which is another way some view who deserves to win the Hart Trophy.
If Hughes can continue at his current pace, it will be hard to justify keeping him off Hart Trophy ballots. He is on pace to record over 100 points and is arguably the front-runner for this year's Norris Trophy. While a lot can change between now and when awards are due, Hughes is at least making a case to become the first defenceman to be a Hart Trophy finalist in 25 years.
