Named after Hockey Hall of Fame player, coach, and general manager, Art Ross, the award began in 1947-48 and is awarded to the player who accumulates the most Points in the regular season.  Unlike most awards, it is not arbitrary, as it is based purely on one statistic.  Notably, if players tie in Points, the tie-breaker goes to the player with the most Goals.  Generally, if you are the highest scorer in any sport in a season, you can expect this to generate multiple Hall of Fame inductees.

The results are as follows:

There are currently 20 former Art Ross winners who are Hockey Hall of Fame eligible with all 20 entering, yielding a percentage of 100.0.  

This covered 58 years of Hall-eligible winners, which obviously comes in at 100.0%.

The following are the past players who have won the Art Ross Trophy who are eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

1948:  Elmer Lach, Montreal Canadiens, 30 Goals, 31 Assists, 61 Points, 7.5 Point Shares.

How fitting is it that a Montreal player won this award first?  Elmer Lach has already won two Stanley Cups for Montreal, and he won the coveted Hart Trophy in 1944-45.  He won his only Art Ross Trophy this season, narrowly beating New York's Buddy O'Connor by one Point.  Lach would finish third in Hart Trophy voting and was a First Team All-Star this season.  Lach played for the Habs until 1954, winning another Stanley Cup and earning another First Team All-Star before retiring.  He would have 623 career Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1966.

1949:  Roy Conacher, Chicago Blackhawks, 26 Goals, 42 Assists, 68 Points, 7.4 Points Shares.      

This season was by far the best season of Roy Conacher's career.  As a rookie with the Boston Bruins, he would lead the NHL in Goals (26) and win the Stanley Cup.  He won his second two years later, but individually this was his best year, where he had a career-high 68 Points, and the then Blackhawk winger would finish third in Hart Trophy voting and was a First Team All-Star for the first and only time.  Conacher played three more years and retired with 427 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.

1950:  Ted Lindsay, Detroit Red Wings, 22 Goals, 55 Assists, 78 Points, 9.0 Point Shares.

This would be Ted Lindsay's only Art Ross win, with him earning the second First Team All-Star of what would be eight over his career.  Finishing seventh in Hart Trophy voting this season, Lindsay would win his first Stanley Cup and three more in the 1950s.  Lindsay played until 1960, with another season in 1964-65.  He had 851 Points overall in his career. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1966.

1951:  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings.  43 Goals, 43 Assists, 86 Points, 12.1 Point Shares.  

Gordie Howe had already established himself as a star in the NHL after having been named a Second Team All-Star the last two seasons, but this year he destroyed everyone in the race for the Art Ross.  His 86 Points were 20 more than the second-place finisher (Rocket Richard), and he was third in Hart Trophy voting.  This win was just the beginning of Howe's association with the Art Ross. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1952 (2):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, 47 Goals, 39 Assists, 86 Points, 13.1 Point Shares.      

Gordie Howe became the first player to repeat as the Art Ross Trophy winner and the first to win the Hart Trophy in the same season.  Howe helped the Red Wings the Stanley Cup, which was second, as he helped them win in 1950.  Notably, Howe's closest competitor was his teammate, Ted Lindsay, who was 17 Points behind.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1953 (3):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, 47 Goals, 39 Assists, 86 Points, 15.5 Point Shares

Howe made history again as the first three-time winner, which he accomplished in three straight seasons.  Howe again would see his teammate, Ted Lindsay, and this time he led his closest competitor by 24 Points.  Howe repeated as the Hart Trophy winner. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1954 (4):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings.  33 Goals, 48 Assists, 81 Points, 11.6 Point Shares.      

Another year and another Art Ross Trophy for Howe, who made it four in a row.  Howe again led the Red Wings to another Stanley Cup, and he was again more than ten Points ahead of his nearest competitor, who this year was Rocket Richard, who had 67 Points.  Howe finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1955:  Bernie Geoffrion, Montreal Canadiens.  38 Goals, 37 Assists, 75 Points, 10.3 Point Shares.

In the province of Quebec, this is the most controversial Art Ross Trophy winner, even though a member of the Montreal Canadiens won it.  Bernie Geoffrion beat his teammate, Rocket Richard, by one Point, which he accomplished when the league suspended Richard for striking an official.  Richard was so popular that they booed Geoffrion for winning the scoring title, and it was Richard who was named a First Team All-Star, and not Geoffrion, who was named to the Second Team.  Geoffrion's win marked the first time an Art Ross winner would not be a First Team All-Star. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1956:  Jean Beliveau, Montreal Canadiens, 47 Goals, 41 Assists, 88 Points, 13.0 Point Shares.           

Playing his entire career with the Montreal Canadiens, Jean Beliveau won the Art Ross and the Hart Trophy this year.  This might have been Beliveau’s only Art Ross, but this was the second First Team All-Star of what would be six.  Beliveau would also win the Hart again in 1963-64, and this season he captured the first of his ten Stanley Cups.  The Quebecer played until 1971 and retired with 1,219 career Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1957 (5):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, 44 Goals, 45 Assists, 89 Points, 11.8 Point Shares.      

Howe would help the Red Wings win another Stanley Cup in 1955, and this season not only did he win his fifth Art Ross Trophy, but he also won his third Hart Trophy.  Howe's closest competitor was again his teammate, Ted Lindsay, who was only four Points behind.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1958:  Dickie Moore, Montreal Canadiens, 36 Goals, 48 Assists, 84 Points, 9.7 Point Shares.

Dickie Moore would also win his only Goal Scoring Title this season, and he was eighth in Hart Trophy voting.  Moore also helped Montreal win the Stanley Cup this year.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

1959 (2):  Dickie Moore, Montreal Canadiens, 41 Goals, 55 Assists, 96 Points, 11.0 Point Shares.

Moore went back-to-back with Art Ross Trophies, and this was also his second (and final) First Team All-Star Selection.  Moore again won the Stanley Cup, this being the fourth of what would be six total.  Moore played until 1968, where he accumulated 607 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

1960:  Bobby Hull, Chicago Blackhawks, 39 Goals, 42 Assists, 81 Points, +27, 9.2 Point Shares. 

Bobby Hull narrowly defeated Bronco Horvath of the Boston Bruins by one Point to win his first Art Ross Trophy.  "The Golden Jet" was a First Team All-Star for the first time, and he also won his first Goal Scoring Title and finished second in Hart Trophy voting.  He would help Chicago win the Stanley Cup this season.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

1961:  Bernie Geoffrion, Montreal, 50 Goals, 45 Assists, 95 Points, +3, 11.6 Point Shares

This was Geoffrion’s second and last Art Ross, and considering the drama he dealt with in his first one in 1955, this had to feel so much better.  Geoffrion did finish ahead of another teammate, Jean Beliveau, by five Points, but Habs fans were ok this time.  This season, Geoffrion was a First Team All-Star for the only time, and he also captured the Hart Trophy.  While Montreal did not win the Stanley Cup this year, he helped them win the previous five.  Geoffrion played for Montreal until 1966 and had two final seasons with the New York Rangers.  He retired with 822 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1962 (2):  Bobby Hull, Chicago Blackhawks.  39 Goals, 42 Assists, 91 Points, +10, 10.0 Points Shares.

There was a tie in the Points standings for the first time, but Hull had 50 Goals to Andy Bathgate's 28, thus giving the Blackhawk his second Art Ross trophy.  Hull was third in Hart Trophy voting this season.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

1963 (6):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings.  38 Goals., 48 Assists, 86 Points, +23, 9.5 Point Shares.

This was the last Art Ross of Gordie Howe's career, and it was also his final Hart Trophy, which coincidentally was also his sixth.  Howe defeated Andy Bathgate by five Points for this honor.  Overall, he was a 12-time First Team All-Star and retired in 1971.  He would return to hockey in the WHA in 1973, first with the Houston Aeros, then the New England Whalers, who became the Hartford Whalers of the NHL in 1979.  Howe stayed with the team for their first year in the NHL.  He retired with 2,358 combined Points in the NHL/WHA. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1964:  Stan Mikita, Chicago Blackhawks.   39 Goals, 50 Assists, 89 Points, +21, 10.7 Point Shares.

Stan Mikita was a First Team All-Star for the third straight year and fifth in Hart Trophy voting in his first Art Ross-winning season.  While this would not be Mikita's proverbial breakout season, he was cemented as an elite player.  Mikita won the scoring title by two points over Bobby Hull, his long-time teammate. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

1965 (2):  Stan Mikita, Chicago Blackhawks.  28 Goals, 59 Assists, 87 Points, +29, 9.2 Point Shares.

Mikita went back-to-back in Art Ross Trophy wins, but he was not named a First Team All-Star, as that would go to Norm Ullman, who finished second in scoring to him.   

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

1966:  Bobby Hull, Chicago Blackhawks.  39 Goals, 42 Assists, 91 Points, +19, 11.8 Point Shares. 

Bobby Hull won his third and final Art Ross Trophy and did so the season after he secured his first Hart and only Lady Byng Trophy.  This year would see Hull win his second straight Hart.  Hull stayed in the NHL until 1972 (and would return in 1980 with the Jets); he was a nine-time First Team All-Star.  Hull would join the Winnipeg Jets in 1972, where he stayed during the NHL/WHA merger, and he played nine final games in pro hockey with the Hartford Whalers before retiring.  His combined NHL/WHA Points totaled 1,808.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

1967 (3):  Stan Mikita, Chicago Blackhawks, 28 Goals, 59 Assists, +40, 87 Points, 10.2 Point Shares

Mikita returned as the scoring leader after Bobby Hull had it the year before, and he was 17 Points ahead of the nearest skater, which was Hull.  Mikita swept the major regular season awards with the Art Ross, the Hart Trophy, and the Lady Byng.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

1968 (4):  Stan Mikita, Chicago Blackhawks, 28 Goals, 59 Assists, 87 Points, 0+-, 10.0 Point Shares.

This was Mikita's fourth and final Art Ross and the second back-to-back for the star.  Mikita's win also marked five consecutive Blackhawks winning the Art Ross.  Like the season before, Mikita also won the Hart and Lady Byng.  Mikita played until 1980, in a career that was spent entirely with Chicago.  He finished his career with 1,467 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

1969:  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 49 Goals, 77 Assists, 126 Points, +55, 15.1 Point Shares. 

As expansion diluted the talent pool, it was only a matter of time before there was a 100 Point Scorer.  This season there were three, with Gordie Howe (103), Bobby Hull (107), and this season's Art Ross Trophy winner, Phil Esposito (126).  The Boston Bruin would win his first Hart Trophy and make his First Team All-Star debut.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1970:  Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, 33 Goals, 87 Assists, 120 Points, +54, 19.5 Point Shares.       

What Bobby Orr accomplished this year was unprecedented.  This season, Orr became the first and, to date, only Defenseman to win the Art Ross Trophy.  It was such a phenomenal year that Orr would lead the Bruins to a Stanley Cup Championship, and he won the Conn Smythe Award as the playoff MVP.  Orr would also win the Norris Trophy and the Hart Trophy this year.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

1971 (2):  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 76 Goals, 76 Assists, 156 Points, +69, 18.5 Point Shares. 

The season before, Esposito, Orr, and company took Boston to a Stanley Cup win.  They did not win this season, but Esposito shattered the single-season Goal record and his own Points record.  Amazingly, he was not the Hart Trophy winner, as that went to Orr (who had 139 Points). 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1972 (3):  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 66 Goals, 67 Assists, 133 Points, +54, 16.7 Point Shares.

The Bruins won the Stanley Cup again, with Esposito having a lot to do with their success.  Orr repeated as the runner-up (117), and he was again the Hart Trophy winner, with Esposito coming in at third.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1973 (4):  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 55 Goals, 75 Assists, 130 Points, +17, 13.1 Point Shares. 

Esposito’s 130 Points were 26 more than Bobby Clarke of Philadelphia, his nearest competitor, and he repeated as the runner-up to the Hart, losing to Clarke.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1974 (5):  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 68 Goals, 77 Assists, 145 Points, +51, 17.0 Point Shares.

Esposito became the second player to earn five Art Ross Trophies and the second to have four straight wins.  This would be his last Art Ross, and he would also secure his second (and last) Hart Trophy.  Esposito would also have his sixth straight and final First Team All-Star this year.  He would be traded to the New York Rangers in 1975, and he retired after the 1980-81 Season, ending his career with 1,590 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1975 (2):  Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, 33 Goals, 87 Assists, 120 Points, +80, 21.5 Point Shares. 

It took Esposito's teammate, Bobby Orr, to break his Art Ross streak, and while it did end Esposito's run, this was the seventh year in a row where a Boston Bruin won the Art Ross.  In between his first and second Art Ross Trophy, Orr won another Stanley Cup, another Conn Smythe Trophy, four Norris Trophies, and two Hart Trophies.  This season, he would win his eighth and final Norris Trophy, and he was already cemented as the greatest Defenseman that ever lived, a mantle he still holds today.  Orr played until 1979 and was fast-tracked into the Hockey Hall that year.  He retired at the age of 30, as back issues forced him out of the game, and Orr would have 915 Points in only 657 career Games. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

1976:  Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, 56 Goals, 69 Assists, 125 Points, +89, 13.8 Point Shares.         

For the first time in the 1970s, a non-Boston Bruin won the Art Ross Trophy, and it went back to Montreal with Guy Lafleur, who had six more Points than Bobby Clarke of Philadelphia.  Lafleur, who had a Stanley Cup in 1973, would win his second this year.  He was third in Hart Trophy voting this year.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

1977 (2):  Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, 56 Goals, 80 Assists, 136 Points, +89, 15.7 Point Shares. 

Two touchdowns of points ahead of Marcel Dionne, Lafleur again won a Stanley Cup Ring with the Canadiens, this time winning the Conn Smythe Trophy.  The Quebecois superstar also won the Hart Trophy for the first time.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

1978 (3):  Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, 60 Goals, 72 Assists, 132 Points, +73, 15.8 Point Shares.  

Lafleur won his third straight Art Ross, his final time winning the coveted award.  This year also was his second and last Hart Trophy win, but it was year four of six straight First Team All-Star selections.  Montreal again won the Stanley Cup and captured another the year after making it four straight.  He played until 1985 and retired.  That would be short-lived, as he returned as a New York Ranger in 1988 and played two more years later with the Quebec Nordiques.  Lafleur would have 1,353 career Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

1979:  Bryan Trottier, New York Islanders, 47 Goals, 87 Assists, 134 Points, +76, 13.6 Point Shares. 

It took a dozen years, but Bryan Trottier became the first player from an expansion team to win the Art Ross Trophy.  Trottier beat Marcel Dionne by four Points for the Award, and the Islander would also win the Hart Trophy.  Following this win, Trottier would lead New York to four consecutive Stanley Cups.  Trottier became a two-time First Team and two-time Second Team All-Star, and he later played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, earning two more Stanley Cups.  He retired in 1994 with 1,425 career Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1980:  Marcel Dionne, Los Angeles Kings.  53 Goals, 84 Assists, 137 Points, +34, 13.5 Point Shares. 

Marcel Dionne tied Wayne Gretzky of the Edmonton Oilers in Points, but Dionne got the nod for the Art Ross over "The Great One ." Dionne became the first King to win this award and was the runner-up for the Hart.  Over his career that spanned from 1971 to 1989, Dionne played for Detroit, L.A., and the New York Rangers, and he would have 1,307 Points. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1981:  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers.  55 Goals, 109 Assists, 164 Points, +41, 14.3 Point Shares.      

Wayne Gretzky tied Marcel Dionne in Points the year before but lost out on the Art Ross due to a goal differential of two.  Gretzky did not have to worry about Dionne, who was second with 135 Points, but that was 29 behind the number of the Edmonton Oiler, who set the new benchmark for Points in a season.  Gretzky would win his second straight Hart Trophy this season.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1982 (2):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers.  92 Goals, 120 Assists, 212 Points, +80, 19.7 Point Shares. 

Wayne Gretzky broke so many records this year.  First, he shattered his own record with 212 Points, making him the first player to elevate the single-season Points record two years in a row in the Art Ross era.  Second, Gretzky set the single-season Goal mark with 92.  Third, he was the first player to have a 200 Point season.  Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders was the closest competitor with 212 Points.  Gretzky would again win the Hart, his third in a row.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1983 (3):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 80 Goals, 71 Assists, 196 Points, +61, 18.0 Point Shares.

Gretzky did it again, destroying any competitor for the Art Ross.  His nearest competitor was Peter Stastny, the Nordiques star from Czechoslovakia, who “only” had 124.  Gretzky again won the Hart Trophy, but this time his Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Finals, a harbinger of what was to come.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1984 (4):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 87 Goals, 118 Assists, 205 Points, +78, 19.6 Point Shares.

Gretzky again reached the 200 Point threshold, and his teammate, Paul Coffey, at 126 Points, was the closest.  This year the Oilers broke through by winning the Stanley Cup, and Gretzky again captured the Hart Trophy.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1985:  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 87 Goals, 118 Assists, 205 Points, +100, 19.6 Point Shares. 

Gretzky repeated as a Stanley Cup Champion, but he would win the Conn Smythe as the playoff MVP this year.  By winning his fifth straight Art Ross Trophy, Gretzky broke the record that Gordie Howe and Phil Esposito shared regarding consecutive Art Ross winners.  Gretzky again destroyed his nearest competitor, Jari Kurri, who was also an Oiler.  Not surprisingly, he won his sixth consecutive Hart Trophy.   

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1986 (6):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 52 Goals, 163 Assists, 215 Points, +71, 17.0 Point Shares 

It was a bittersweet year for Gretzky as he broke his own mark by three Points, and his 215 Points have set a since unbreakable number.  He won the Hart Trophy again, but in the playoffs, the Oilers were upset in the divisional round, and he did not win a Stanley Cup.  Gretzky was again much further ahead than his nearest rival, but this year it was the up-and-coming Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins who had 141 Points.  This win would also tie Gordie Howe for the most Art Ross Trophies.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1987 (7):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 62 Goals, 121 Assists, 183 Points, +69, 17.6 Point Shares. 

The Edmonton Oilers were back on track, and they won their third Stanley Cup in four years, with Gretzky winning the Conn Smythe.  Gretzky set Art Ross Trophy history as he broke Howe's record of six Art Ross trophies, and he did it in seven straight years, also a record.  "The Great One" also secured his eighth consecutive Hart Trophy.  Once again, nobody was near Gretzky, as Jari Kurri, who was second, had 108 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1988:  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 62 Goals, 121 Assists, 183 Points, +23, 16.2 Point Shares. 

Gretzky had 149 Points this year, but his Art Ross trophy streak ended at seven when Mario Lemieux bet his total by 19.  Lemieux became the first Penguin to win the Art Ross, and this year he also was the first Penguin to win the Hart.  As you will see, Lemieux was just getting started!  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1989 (2):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 62 Goals, 121 Assists, 183 Points, +41, 19.6 Point Shares.     

Lemieux was one Point shy of 200, and his 199 would be a career-high, as he went back-to-back in Art Ross Trophy wins.  Despite his 199 Points, Gretzky's 168 Points for his new team, Los Angeles, was enough to earn him the Hart. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1990 (8):  Wayne Gretzky, Los Angeles Kings, 40 Goals, 102 Assists, 142 Points, +8, 11.3 Point Shares.

After two years of not winning the Art Ross, Gretzky returned to the top of the scoring table, but this time it was as a Los Angeles King.  Gretzky, who won the Hart Trophy as a King the year before, finished fourth this year behind Mark Messier, his former teammate who led his former team, Edmonton, to their fifth Stanley Cup.  Messier was second in scoring to Gretzky, 13 behind.  As for Lemieux, he had 129 Points in only 59 Games. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1991 (9):  Wayne Gretzky, Los Angeles Kings.  41 Goals, 122 Assists, 163 Points, +30, 14.5 Point Shares

Gretzky went back-to-back again, and he was incredible this season.  While he did not win the Hart, he was 32 Points ahead of the one who did win it (and was second), Brett Hull.  Hull would, however, have 86 Goals, well more than twice as much as Gretzky.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1992 (3):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 44 Goals, 87 Assists, 131 Points, +27, 12.4 Point Shares. 

Mario Lemieux may have only finished fifth in Hart voting, but he won the scoring title only with 64 Games.  More importantly, he led the Penguins to their second straight Stanley Cup win.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1993 (4):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins.   69 Goals, 91 Assists, 160 Points, +55, 16.8 Point Shares. 

Lemieux's 160 Points was a dozen more than his nearest competitor, Pat Lafontaine, but Lemieux had his Points in only 60 Games!  Despite only playing 60 Games, what he did was so impressive that the Hart Trophy voters could not help but vote for him.  Lemieux would also win the Bill Masterton Trophy this season.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1994 (10):  Wayne Gretzky, Los Angeles Kings.  38 Goals, 92 Assists, 130 Points, -25, 11.1 Point Shares. 

Arguably, his was the end of an era, as this was Gretzky's tenth and last Art Ross Trophy.  Nobody has won this more than the native of Brantford, Ontario, and it is likely that nobody will ever.  Gretzky did not win the Hart, as that went to Sergei Fedorov, who he beat by 10 Points to win Art Ross.  Gretzky never received any Hart votes, but he did have nine, which is more than any other player.  This season also saw Gretzky win his fourth of five Lady Byng Trophies, though notably, his -25 is the worst of any Art Ross winner.  He was an eight-time First Team All-Star and a seven-time Second Team All-Star, and he retired with 2,857 Points, well more than any other player.  As expected, the Hockey Hall relaxed their three-year wait, and he was inducted immediately.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1996 (5):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins.  69 Goals, 92 Assists, 161 Points, +10, 17.4 Point Shares.        

Mario Lemieux sat out the entire 1994-95 season due to Hodgkin's lymphoma.  He returned the year after with a vengeance, winning his fifth Art Ross, beating his teammate, Jaromir Jagr, by 12 Points.  Lemieux would win the Hart Trophy for the third and final time.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1997 (6):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins.  50 Goals, 72 Assists, 122 Points, +27, 14.5 Point Shares.       

This win was the last Art Ross Trophy for Mario Lemieux, and he completed it with three two-year runs.  His 122 Points was his lowest Point win, but he was still 13 Points higher than Teemu Selanne, who was second.  Lemieux retired after this year but came back three years later, but this time as a player/owner, as he bought the team in 1999.  He continued to play until 2006 and retired with 1,723 Points. 

2002:  Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames.  52 Goals, 44 Assists, 96 Points, +27, 14.4 Point Shares. 

This would be the lone Art Ross for Jarome Iginla, and while he never had a 100 Point season, he would not need to in this era.  Iginla played most of his career with the Calgary Flames, and he would have 1,095 career Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.

2003:  Peter Forsberg, Colorado Avalanche.  29 Goals, 77 Assists, 106 Points, +52, 13.6 Point Shares.

Peter Forsberg became the first player in Colorado Avalanche franchise history and the first Swedish player to win the Art Ross.  To win the award, he eked out another Swede, Markus Naslund, by two Points.  Forsberg, who had already won two Stanley Cups with the Avalanche, won the Hart Trophy this season.  Forsberg played until 2011 and retired with 885 Points in 708 Games.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

2004:  Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning.  38 Goals, 56 Assists, 94 Points, +35, 13.2 Point Shares.

After two unremarkable seasons with the Calgary Flames, Martin St. Louis became a surprise star with the Tampa Bay Lightning.  In the 2003-04 Season, Martin St. Louis won the Art Ross and also won the Hart Trophy.  St. Louis also took the Lightning to their first Stanley Cup this season.  He was a First Team All-Star this year and would be a Second Team All-Star four more times. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

2010:  Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks.  52 Goals, 44 Assists, 96 Points, +35, 13.5 Point Shares.

Henrik Sedin was the first Vancouver Canuck to win the Art Ross, which he won by besting both Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin by three Points.  Sedin would also win the Hart Trophy this year, and he was a First Team All-Star this season and the one after.  Sedin played until 2018, all with Vancouver, and he would retire with 1,070 career Points. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.

2011:  Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks.  41 Goals, 63 Assists, 104 Points, +30, 14.3 Point Shares. 

There have been players who have won the Art Ross in back-to-back years.  There have been different teammates who have won this accolade in two straight years.  This is the first time, and we think it is likely the only time we will have twins capture the Art Ross in two years.  Like his brother, Henrik, Daniel Sedin played his entire career with the Canucks, but he did not win the Hart like his brother, as he would finish second to Corey Perry.  Sedin played until 2018 and would have 1,041 career Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.

2013 (2):  Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning.  17 Goals, 43 Assists, 60 Points, 0+-, 6.3 Point Shares.     

In the strike-shortened 48-game season, Martin St. Louis's 60 Points were the lowest for an Art Ross winner.  St. Louis would only finish ninth in Art Ross voting, but he did win his third Lady Byng this season.  St. Louis played until 2015, with two final years in the New York Rangers.  He retired with 1,033 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

 

The following are the players who have won the Art Ross Trophy who are eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

None.

The following are the players who have won the Art Ross Trophy in the NHL who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Hockey Hall of Fame:

The following are the 

players who have 

won the Art Ros

s Trophy who are still active.

1995:  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins.   32 Goals, 38 Assists, 70 Points, +23, 12.6 Point Shares. 

This was Jagr's first Art Ross, and he narrowly beat Eric Lindros to get it.  Both stars had 70 Points in this strike-shortened year, but Jagr had three more Goals than Lindros.  Lindros would, however, edge out Jagr for the Hart Trophy.  Jagr was a First Team All-Star for the first time and had already won two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh.  Historically, this is the first time a non-Canadian would win the Art Ross.  

50 Years Old, Playing in the Czech League.

1998 (2):  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins.  32 Goals, 38 Assists, 70 Points, +17, 12.6 Point Shares.  

Jagr would also lead the NHL in Assists for the first time this season.  The Czech star was a First Team and Second Team All-Star in the two prior years; this year, Peter Forsberg of Colorado was his closest competitor with 91 Points, and he was second to Dominik Hasek of Buffalo for the Hart.  

50 Years Old, Playing in the Czech League.

1999 (3):  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins.   44 Goals, 83 Assists, 127 Points,  +25, 14.6 Point Shares. 

Jagr became the second Penguin to win consecutive Art Ross Trophies, besting Teemu Selanne by 20 Points.  Jagr’s 127 Points would be a career-high, and for the first time in his career, he would win the Hart Trophy.  

50 Years Old, Playing in the Czech League.

2000 (4):  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins.  42 Goals, 54 Assists, 96 Points, +19, 12.2 Point Shares. 

The Czech star made it three in a row, and for the first time in an entire season in decades, we have an Art Ross Trophy winner under 100 Points.  Jagr narrowly beat Pavel Bure by two Points, though St. Louis Defenseman, Chris Pronger, beat them both for the Hart.  

50 Years Old, Playing in the Czech League.

2001 (5):  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins.   52 Goals, 69 Assists, 121 Points, +19, 14.1 Point Shares. 

2000-01 would be Jagr's last Art Ross Trophy, and he joined the four-in-a-row club.  Jagr was third in Hart voting, behind his teammate (and boss), Mario Lemieux, and Joe Sakic, who won the award and was only three Points behind Jagr.  This would be Jagr's last season with the Penguins, as he was traded to the Washington Capitals in the offseason.  Jagr later played for the New York Rangers, Avangard Omsk of the KHL, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, New Jersey, Florida, Calgary, and then the Czech League.  In the NHL, Jagr had 1,921 career Points.  

50 Years Old, Playing in the Czech League.

2006:  Joe Thornton, Boston Bruins & San Jose Sharks.  52 Goals, 69 Assists, 121 Points, +31, 13.3 Point Shares. 

The Art Ross Trophy winner's year was split between two teams for the first time in history.  In the season prior, Joe Thornton was the Bruins top star, but management questioned his leadership, and the Boston fan base began to turn on him.  Furthermore, Thornton was frustrated with the fate of the Bruins, and he needed a change of scenery, which he got 23 games into this season.  Thornton's Art Ross winning 121 Points, was split with 33 in Boston and 92 in San Jose.  Thornton was only two Points ahead of Jaromir Jagr, who he also edged out for the Hart Trophy this year.   Thornton, who was a First Team All-Star, would go on to have two more Second Team All-Stars.  

43 Years Old, Free Agent.

2007:  Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins.  36 Goals, 84 Assists, 120 Points, +10, 13.3 Point Shares 

Sidney Crosby became the third Pittsburgh Penguin to win the Art Ross Trophy, and he did so with a six-Point lead over the previous winner, Joe Thornton.  "Sid, the Kid" was just that, as he was only 19 when the year started, and he was in his second year in the NHL.  Crosby also won the Hart Trophy and was a First Team All-Star for the first time in his career.  Two years later, he would hoist the Stanley Cup.  

35 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2008:  Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals.  65 Goals, 47 Assists, 112 Points, +28, 17.2 Point Shares.

Ovechkin became the first Washington Capital and the first Russian to win the Art Ross this year.  This was Ovechkin's third season in hockey and his third consecutive First Team All-Star, and it was Ovechkin who defeated Sidney Crosby for the Calder.  Ovechkin also won the Hart Trophy this year.  Since that win, he went to three more First Team All-Stars, won two more Hart Trophies, and led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018. 

37 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2009:  Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins.  35 Goals, 78 Assists, 113 Points, +17, 12.6 Point Shares. 

Malkin's win allowed Russian-born players to go back-to-back in Art Ross wins, and he became the fourth Penguin to win the trophy.  Malkin was only three points ahead of Ovechkin for the Art Ross but was second for the Hart to Ovechkin.  Ovechkin, Crosby, and the Penguins would win the Stanley Cup this season.  

36 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2012 (2):  Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins.  50 Goals, 59 Assists, 109 Points, +18, 15.7 Point Shares. 

This season, Malkin won his second Art Ross, but he would win the Hart Trophy this season.  Malkin would lead the Penguins to win the 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cups.  

36 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2014 (2):  Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins.  36 Goals, 68 Assists, 104 Points, +18, 13.5 Point Shares.

In between Crosby's first Art Ross and this one, he won a Stanley Cup and was a Second Team and First Team All-Star.  This season, he was again a First Team All-Star and a Hart Trophy winner.  Crosby and the Penguins would win the Stanley Cup for the next two seasons. 

35 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2015:  Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars.  36 Goals, 68 Assists, 104 Points, +1, 10.7 Point Shares.

Jamie Benn won the Art Ross by only one Point (edging out John Tavares), which was done in a season that bookended First Team All-Stars.  Benn was a Second Team All-Star this year and was only 12^th in Hart Trophy voting, but he was an Art Ross winner.  This would be the first time a Minnesota North Star/Dallas Star player won the Art Ross. 

33 Years Old, Playing for the Dallas Stars.

2016:  Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks.  46 Goals, 60 Assists, 106 Points, +17, 15.0 Point Shares (2016)

Patrick Kane had already won three Stanley Cups with Chicago and was 16 Points ahead of last year's winner, Jamie Benn.  Kane would be a First Team All-Star for the second time, and this season he won the Hart Trophy.  

34 Years Old, Playing for the Chicago Blackhawks.

2017:  Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers.  30 Goals, 70 Assists, 100 Points, +27, 12.8 Point Shares. 

Connor McDavid was one of the most highly touted NHL prospects in years, and in his second year, he would win not only the Art Ross but the Hart Trophy as well.  He was 11 Points ahead of Sidney Crosby, who was also second in Hart Trophy voting.  

25 Years Old, Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

2018 (2):  Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers.  41 Goals, 67 Assists, 108 Points, +20, 13.1 Point Shares. 

McDavid won his second straight Art Ross, this time with a six-point lead over Claude Giroux.  The Oiler was fifth in Hart voting but did win the Lester B. Pearson Award, which was also his second in a row.  

25 Years Old, Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

2019:  Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning.  41 Goals, 87 Assists, 128 Points, +24, 14.6 Point Shares. 

Connor McDavid could not make it three straight, as he was second, 12 Points behind Nikita Kucherov. Kucherov also won the Hart Trophy, and this was his second consecutive year as a First Team All-Star.  

29 Years Old, Playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2020:  Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers.  43 Goals, 67 Assists, 110 Points, -7, 12.8 Point Shares. 

Germany boasted their first Art Ross winner in Leon Draisaitl, who also led the league in Assists and Game-Winning Goals (10).  The Oiler also secured his first First Team All-Star and the Hart and Ted Lindsay Award.  

27 Years Old, Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

2021 (3):  Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers.  33 Goals, 72 Assists, 105 Points, +21, 13.0 Point Shares. 

McDavid won his third Art Ross, and don't the Oilers love this award?  He also led the NHL in Assists for the second time and captured his second Hart and Ted Lindsay Award.  

25 Years Old, Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

2022 (4):  Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers.  44 Goals, 79 Assists, 123 Points, +28, 14.0 Point Shares. 

This was the fourth win for McDavid, who did not win the Goal or Assists Title this year.  McDavid did not win the Hart or Ted Lindsay, as they went to Toronto's Auston Matthews.  He also was a Second Team All-Star behind McDavid.

25 Years Old, Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

100 Percent.  It does not get better than that, so the only question is can this stay perfect?

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NHL Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the second year that we have done this, and Edmonton’s Connor McDavid won the first one.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 50 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 50 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers.  54 Cup Points:  27 Games, 24 G, 28 A, 52 P, +6, 6.1 PS.  (#2 on last update)

Last year’s winner has overtaken Auston Matthews for number one as the first player to crack 50 Cup Points, and is also the only player as of this writing to have over 50 Points.  With 13 Points in his last five Games, he is currently the league-leader in Goals (24), Assists (28), Points (52) and Point Shares (6.1).  

2. Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs.  48 Cup Points:  27 Games, 13 G, 17 A, 30 P, +10, 3.4 PS.  (#1 on last update)

Matthews is the defending Hart winner but he is not on the PPG pace he was last year.  Still, he is Toronto’s best player and is near the top of the Cup Standings, though he is not currently in the top ten this year in any major category other than Shots (6^th with 115).

3. Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars.  45 Cup Points:  26 Games, 23 G, 18 A, 41 P, +15, 5.8 PS. (#3 on last update)

Robertson is the current leader in Even Strength Goals (17), second in Goals (23), third in Points (41), and is on pace to shatter last season’s 41-38-79 output.

4. Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild.  44 Cup Points:  25 Games, 17 G, 16 A, 33 P, -8, 3.6 PS. (#7 on last update)

Kaprizov is easily Minnesota’s best player and if he stays healthy should have his second straight 100-Point year.

5 (Tie). David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins. 43 Cup Points:  25 Games, 18 G, 18 A, 36 P, +11, 4.6 PS. (#3 on last update)

The Bruins are one of the NHL’s top teams and Pastrnak is their top scorer.  He is currently fifth in Points.

5 (Tie). Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks.  43 Cup Points, 27 Games, 13 G, 21 A, 34 P, +6, 3.6 PS. (Not in the top ten on last update)

The 2019 Calder winner looks to be on his way to his best statistical year in the NHL.

7 (Tie). Linus Ullmark, Boston Bruins.  41 Cup Points:  18 Games, 15-1-0, 1.82 GAA, .939 Save Percentage, 4.6 PS.  (#7 on last update)

Ullmark is the highest ranked Goalie, and he is the second Bruin in the top ten.  His ascendence to likely All-Star has been colossal for Boston’s rise to the top of the standings.  Ullmark leads all Goalies in Wins, GAA< Save Percentage and Goalie Point Shares.

7 (Tie). Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators, 41 Cup Points:  25 Games, 12 G, 17 A, 29 P, -8, 3.0 PS. (#5 on last update)

Ottawa has been abysmal this year, but Tkachuk had taken his game to the next level and should finish the year with his best numbers by far.

9 (Tie). Sebastian Aho, Carolina Hurricanes. 40 Cup Points:  26 Games, 11 G, 16 A, 27 P, +2, 2.9 PS.  (Not in the top ten on last update)

Aho has twice scored 80 Points in a season, and if he keeps his current pace will make it three.

9 (Tie). Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins, 40 Cup Points:  26 Games, 15 G, 20 A, 35 P, +4, 3.8 PS.  (Not in the top ten on last update)

Crosby has done it all in hockey, but he has never won the Notinhalloffame NHL Cup!

 

Karlsson is the highest ranked Defenseman, and is currently the highest scoring blueliner in the NHL.

Nick Suzuki, Jack Hughes and Erik Karlsson have fallen off the top ten.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NHL Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the second year that we have done this, and Edmonton’s Connor McDavid won the first one.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 40 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 40 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Auston Matthews, Edmonton Oilers 43 Points:  24 Games, 11 G, 15 A, 26 P, +7, 2.9 PS.

Matthews is the defending Hart winner but he is not on the PPG pace he was last year.  Still, he is Toronto’s best player and is leading the standings here, showing that he has not had to share Cup Points with his teammates as much as the player below. 

2. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers, 42 Points:  22 Games, 17 G, 22 A, 39 P, +2, 4.4 PS.

Last year’s winner is chasing last year’s runner-up, with McDavid currently topping the NHL in Points (39) and Power Play Goals (9).  If he wins the Art Ross this year, it will be his fifth.

3 (Tie). David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins, 37 Points:  21 Games, 14 G, 18 A, 32 P, +10, 4.0 PS.

The Bruins are the NHL’s top team and Pastrnak is their top scorer.  He is currently fifth in Points.

3 (Tie). Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars, 37 Points:  23 Games, 19 G, 17 A, 37 P, +13, 5.1 PS.

Robertson is the current leader in Goals (19), Even Strength Goals (15), and is on pace to shatter last season’s 41-38-79 output.

5 (Tie). Nick Suzuki, Montreal Canadiens, 36 Points, 23 Points:  23 Games, 12 G, 12 A, 24 P, +3, 3.0 PS.

Although Suzuki is Montreal’s leading scorer, he is not in the top ten in any offensive statistic, but when the Habs win, chances are that Suzuki was the main reason.

5 (Tie). Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators, 36 Points:  21 Games, 9 G, 16 A, 25 P, -7, 2.4 PS.

Ottawa has been abysmal this year, but Tkachuk had taken his game to the next level and should finish the year with his best numbers by far.

7 (Tie). Linus Ullmark, Boston Bruins, 35 Points:  16 Games, 13-1-0, 2.00 GAA, .935 Save Percentage, 3.9 PS.

Ullmark is the highest ranked Goalie, and he is the second Bruin in the top ten.  His ascendence to likely All-Star has been colossal for Boston’s rise to the top of the standings.

7 (Tie). Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild, 35 Points:  21 Games, 13 G, 14 A, 27 P, -6, 3.0 PS.

Kaprizov is easily Minnesota’s best player and if he stays healthy should have his second straight 100-Point year.

7 (Tie). Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils, 35 Points:  23 Games, 12 G, 14 A, 26 P, +10, 3.3 PS.

The Devils are surpassing everyone’s expectations with Hughes leading the way.  The 21-year-old Center will likely be named an All-Star this year.

7 (Tie). Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks, 35 Points:  24 Games, 11 G, 21 A, 32 P, -2, 4.7 PS.

Karlsson is the highest ranked Defenseman, and is currently the highest scoring blueliner in the NHL.

There is no greater individual award in professional hockey than the Hart Trophy, awarded annually to the player who is named the MVP of the NHL’s regular season.  It is also among the most tenured accolades of the sport, having first been awarded in 1924.  Its origin came from David Hart, the father of Montreal Canadiens’ Head Coach, Cecil Hart, who donated it to the NHL before the 1923/24 Season.

It is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. ` The original trophy was donated to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1960, with the new version being renamed the Hart Memorial Trophy from the Hart Trophy.  

As of this writing, it is safe to say that there are few individual honors that reflect a Hall of Fame path safer than the Hart.

The results are as follows:

There are currently 47 former Hart Trophy winners who are Hockey Hall of Fame eligible with 44 entering, yielding a percentage of 93.6.  

If we go by yearly winners, we have Hart winners from 80 different seasons that are Hall eligible, with 77 enshrined, a percentage of 96.3.

The following are the past players who have won Hart Memorial Trophy who are eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

1924: Frank Nighbor, Ottawa Senators, Center: 11 G, 6 A, 18 P, 3.3 PS       

The first Hart Trophy goes to the Ottawa Senators with Frank Nighbor, who prior to the win had led the Sens to two Stanley Cup victories.  Nighbor would be a one-time winner of the prestigious Hart, but he won the Lady Byng Trophy the next two seasons, and was third in voting in 1925-26.  The following year, Nighbor hoisted the Cup again. The Center’s last NHL Game was in 1930 after finishing up with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he would have 237 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1947.

1925: Billy Burch, Hamilton Tigers, Centre: 20 G, 6 A, 26 P, 5.9 PS  

In what turned out to be the last year of existence for the Hamilton Tigers, Billy Burch won the only Hart Trophy in franchise history following a 20 Goal year.  Burch and the rest of the Tigers were upset that year that they were not compensated for the expanded season (24 Games to 30), and they demanded $200 compensation or they would not participate in the playoffs.  They did not get it, and the Tigers were disqualified.  The team basically folded, but the players were sold to a New York group forming the Americans.  Burch was heavily marketed in NYC, as he was born in Yonkers (but was raised in Canada), and he won the Lady Byng in 1927.  Burch would later play for Boston and Chicago and scored 196 total Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

1926: Nels Stewart, Montreal Maroons, Centre: 34 G, 8 A, 42 P, 11.8 PS     

Perhaps because the team in which he did this is now defunct (the Montreal Maroons) the rookie year of Nels Stewart is not nearly as celebrated as it should be.  Winning the Hart in his rookie year, Stewart became the first player to do so, and he also was atop the NHL leaderboard in Goals (34) and Points (26).  He capped off this spectacular regular season by leading the Maroons to the Stanley Cup that year.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1952.

1927: Herb Gardiner, Montreal Canadiens, Defense: 6 G, 7 A, 13 P, 7.7 PS  

The Montreal Canadiens first Hart Trophy winner also was the first Defenseman to win this award.  Gardiner was technically a rookie, as he was playing in the Western Canada Hockey League for many years with the Calgary Tigers, and at age 35, he is one of the oldest players to win the Hart.  Gardiner only played a few more years in the NHL before finishing his playing career in the American Hockey League.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1958.

1928: Howie Morenz, Montreal Canadiens, Centre: 33 G, 18 A, 51 P, 15.9 PS        

Morenz was in his fifth season in the NHL (all with the Habs), and he had already won the Stanley Cup as a rookie, and was the Hart runner-up in 1924-25.  This season, Morenz was also third in Lady Byng voting, and he was the NHL-leader in Goals (33), Assists (18), Points and (Point Shares (15.9).  Morenz’ 15.9 Point Shares was the most by any Hart winner until Bobby Orr in 1970.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1958.

1929: Roy Worters, New York Americans, Goalie: 16-12-10 Record 1.15 GAA, 8.2 GPS 1929   

Roy Worters played his first three years in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he was one of many players that the soon to fold Pirates sold due to financial problems.  Worters, who was the runner-up for the Hart the year before, won the Hart in his first season as a New York American and would have a career-best 1.15 GAA.  Worters would later win a Vezina and was a two-time Second Team All-Star.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969.

1930 (2): Nels Stewart, Montreal Maroons, Centre: 39 G, 16 A, 55 P, 10.1 PS 

Following his rookie year and Hart win, Stewart remained a top NHL Center, but he was not posting the same type of numbers.  This was not the case in the 1929-30 season, where he had what was a career-high 39 Goals.  Stewart was fifth in Hart voting the year after.  Stewart was bever in Hart consideration again, but he did lead the NHL in Goals again in 1936-37, a season split between the Boston Bruins and New York Americans.  Stewart’s NHL career ended in 1940, and he had 515 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1952.

1931 (2): Howie Morenz, Montreal Canadiens, Centre: 28 G, 23 A, 51 P, 10.5 PS 

In between his first and second Hart win, Morenz had a 40 Goal year (1929-30) and was seventh in Hart Voting.  Last season and this season, he led Montreal to a Stanley Cup Title, and he was named a First Team All-Star, the first time that this accolade was awarded.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1945.

1932 (3): Howie Morenz, Montreal Canadiens, Centre: 24 G, 25 A, 49 P, 8.2 PS 

Morenz became the first man to win the Hart for the third time, and this would be his last.  Named a First Team All-Star this year, Morenz was a Second Team All-Star the year after, and he later played for Chicago and the New York Rangers before returning to Montreal in 1936.  He only played 30 Games in his return as he broke his leg, only to die from complications from blood clots.  Morenz scored 476 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1945.

1933: Eddie Shore, Boston Bruins, Defense: 8 G, 27 A, 35 P, 9.8 PS   

A Stanley Cup Champion with the Bruins in 1929, Shore was third in Hart voting in both 1927-28 and 1928-29 and was second in 1930-31.  This season, Shore was a First Team All-Star for the third year in a row.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1947.

1934: Aurele Joliat, Boston Bruins, Left Wing: 21 G, 15 A, 36 P, 6.5 PS  

This was Joliat’s 12^th year in the NHL, and he would play his entire 16 seasons with the Canadiens.  The Left Wing had previously won three Stanley Cups, and was a Second Team All-Star this season as he was two years before.  The season before that, he was a First Team All-Star for what would be the only time.  After his Hart win, Joliat was a Second Team All-Star and he was fifth in Hart voting.  Joliat played until 1938, and he finished his NHL career with 463 Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1947.

1935 (2): Eddie Shore, Boston Bruins, Defense: 7 G, 26 A, 33 P, 7.7 PS 

Shore was a First Team All-Star for the fourth time and he was a Second Team All-Star the season before.  This would mark the first time a Defenseman repeated as the Hart trophy winner.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1947.

1936 (3): Eddie Shore, Boston Bruins, Defense: 3 G, 16 A, 19 P, 6.8 PS 

Shore became the first Defenseman to win three Harts, this was his first back-to-back win.  Shore was a First Team All-Star for the fifth time.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1947.

1937: Babe Siebert, Montreal Canadiens, Left Wing/Defense: 8 G, 20 A, 28 P, 3.1 PS 

This was the twelfth of fourteen NHL Seasons for the versatile Siebert, who was the first player to win the Hart while playing two positions (Left Wing and Defense).  Siebert was a First Team All-Star as a Boston Bruin the year before, and this was his second of three straight such honors.  Siebert, who had previously won two Stanley Cups (one with the Montreal Maroons and the other with the Rangers), was the second runner-up for the Hart the season after.  Siebert had one more NHL season, and he totaled 294 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1964.

1938 (4): Eddie Shore, Boston Bruins, Defense: 3 G, 14 A, 17 P, 6.3 PS 

Shore’s win made him the first player to win the Hart Trophy four times, and this was the third season where he led the NHL in Defensive Point Shares.  Shore, who was a First Team All-Star for the sixth time, captured that honor again the following year where he was fifth in Hart voting and helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup.  Finishing his NHL career with a brief stint with the New York Americans, Shore had 284 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1947.

1939: Toe Blake, Montreal Canadiens, Left Wing: 24 G, 23 A, 47 P, 5.7 PS   

The Montreal Canadiens became the first team to have five different Hart Trophy winners, with Toe Blake’s lone win in 1939. The Left Wing played his first year with the cross-town Maroons before joining the Canadiens in 1935-36.  In 1937-38, Blake was a Second Team All-Star, and he won the Hart the year after where he led the NHL in scoring (47) and earned the first of what would be three First Team All-Stars.  Blake would later earn another Second Team All-Star and won a Lady Byng the same year.  Blake’s NHL playing career ended in 1948, and he scored 529 Points and won three Stanley Cups as a player.  He would later become the Head Coach of the Habs where he led them to eight more Cups.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1966.

1940: Ebbie Goodfellow, Detroit Red Wings, Defense: 11 G, 18 A, 29 P, 6.1 PS 

Goodfellow became the first Red Wing to win the Hart, and the career-Red Wing accomplished this in his eleventh of what would be 14 NHL seasons.  The blueliner was a First Team All-Star for the second (and last) time, and he would score 326 career Points and win two Stanley Cups.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963.

1941:  Bill Cowley, Boston Bruins, Center: 17 G, 47 A, 64 P, 7.4 PS      

Bill Cowley broke in with the St, Louis Eagles as a rookie, but that was the last year of existence for the Eagles, and Cowley was taken by the Boston Bruins in the Dispersal Draft.  Cowley’s skills improved as a Bruin and in 1938-39, he was a First Team All-Star, led the NHL in Assists, and led the Bruins to a Stanley Cup win.  This year, Cowley was again a First Team All-Star, and was first in Assists (47) and Points (64).  Cowley again took Boston to a Championship this year.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1968.

1943 (2): Bill Cowley, Boston Bruins, Center: 27 G, 48 A, 72 P, 6.3 PS 

World War II took away a lot of the NHL talent, but Cowley was not one of them.  This season, Cowley won his third Assists title, was a First Team All-Star for the third time and he led the NHL in Power Play (9) and Game-Winning (6) Goals.  Cowley was a First Team All-Star the next two seasons, with him finishing second in Hart voting (1943-44).  Cowley was in the NHL until 1947, finishing up with the Bruins and he had 549 career Points in the same amount of Games.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1968.

1944:  Babe Pratt, Toronto Maple Leafs, Defense: 17 G, 41 A, 58 P 8.7 PS    

Babe Pratt played his first seven years in the NHL with the New York Rangers, where the Defenseman won a Stanley Cup in 1940. Pratt was traded to the Maple Leafs during the 1942-43 season, and in the World War II depleted NHL, he had his best year ever winning the Hart and earning a First Team All-Star nod.  Pratt was a Second Team All-Star in 1945 and he helped anchor Toronto win the Stanley Cup.  He only played two more years in the NHL, the last as a Boston Bruin and he had 293 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1966.

1945: Elmer Lach, Montreal Canadiens, Center: 26 G, 45 A, 80 P 7.7 PS     

This was the fifth season of Lach’s 14-year career, all of which was as a Montreal Canadian.  Lach’s Hart Trophy coincide with him leading the NHL in Assists and Points, and the year was sandwiched in between Second Team All-Star and Stanley Cup wins.  Lach would win two more Assists Titles, an Art Ross, two First Team All-Stars and another Stanley Cup before he retired in 1954.  He would score 623 Points over his career.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1966.

1946:  Max Bentley, Chicago Blackhawks, Center: 31 G, 30 A, 67 P 6.7 PS    

It took until this year for a member of the Chicago Blackhawks to win the Hart, which certainly reflects the lack of success Chicago had up to this time.  Bentley was in his fourth NHL season, and he was coming off a Lady Byng win.  This season, Bentley led the NHL in scoring (61) and Power Play Goals (10), and he was a First Team All-Star for the first and only time.  Bentley was a Second Team the year after, and he would later win three Stanley Cups as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1966.

1947:  Maurice Richard, Montreal Canadiens, Right Wing: 31 G, 30 A, 67 P 6.7 PS 

We have another Hab who won the Hart, but for many, this is THE HAB.  Richard practically owned the Province of Quebec and he had already set the 50 Goal in 50 Games mark in 1944-45, as the game’s first 50 Goal Scorer.  He had also already led Montreal to two Stanley Cups, and he was the runner-up for the Hart in that 1944-45 campaign.  This season, Richard led the NHL in Goals again (43), and was a First Team All-Star.  While Richard never won another Hart (really?), from the 1943-44 Season to the 1956-57 Season, he was either a First Team or Second Team All-Star.  He was second in Hart voting twice, was third three times, and he was a four-time Goal Scoring leader.  Richard also won six more Stanley Cups, giving him eight in total and he amassed 544 Goals over his career, which was spent entirely with the Canadiens. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1961.

1948:  Buddy O’Connor, New York Rangers, Center: 24 G, 36 A, 60 P 6.3 PS 

Buddy O’Connor played for Montreal in the six years before where he helped them win two Stanley Cups.  1947-48 was the first season for O’Connor in New York who was traded there in the summer, and he put forth the best year of his life.  He posted career highs in Goals (24), Assists (36) and Points (60), and O’Connor. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

1949:  Sid Abel, Detroit Red Wings, Center: 28 G, 26 A, 54 P, 7.3 PS   

Abel made his NHL debut in the 1938-39 and in 1941-42, he was named a Second Team All-Star.  The Center helped the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup the following season, and Abel missed the next two years due to World War II.  Abel returned in 1946, and in his Hart Trophy winning year, he was named a First Team All-Star while leading the NHL in Goals (28) and Power Play Goals (8).  Abel followed that with a second straight First Team All-Pro, a fourth-place finish in Hart voting and helped Detroit win the Cup.  Abel won a third Cup in 1952, and played two final NHL seasons with Chicago, concluding a career with 472 Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969.

1950:  Chuck Rayner, New York Rangers, Goalie: 28-30-11, 12.3 PS      

Chuck Rayner debuted for the New York Americans in 1940, and when the renamed Brooklyn Americans folded, Rayner left the NHL to serve Canada in World War II.  Rayner returned in 1945 as a New York Ranger, but like the Americans with whom he played before, the Rangers were not particularly good.  The Goalie had a three-year streak from 1948-49 to 1950-51, and his Hart win was in the center year of that run.  A knee injury ended his NHL run in 1953, and he while his record was a losing one (138-197-78), he kept many bad teams competitive.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

1951:  Milt Schmidt, Boston Bruins, Center: 22 G, 39 A, 61 P, 7.0 PS  

Playing his entire career with the Boston Bruins, Schmidt debuted in 1936, and would win the scoring title in 1939-40.  Before his Hart win, Schmidt was named a First Team All-Star twice (1940 & 1947) and won two Stanley Cups and had three top five Hart finishes.  In his Hart Trophy win, Schmidt was a First Team All-Star, which he followed by a Second Team All-Star with a fourth place Hart finish.  Schmidt played three more seasons in the NHL, and would have 575 career Points

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1961.

1952:  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, Right Wing: 47 G, 39 A, 86 P, 13.1 PS       

This was the sixth NHL season for the legendary Gordie Howe, who had already won a Stanley Cup two years earlier. The Right Wing was a Second Team All-Star in both the 1948-49 and 1949-50 Seasons, the latter of which seeing him win his first Stanley Cup.  Howe was a First Team All-Star the year before, and this was his second one.  Howe was also on his second straight Art Ross Trophy win this year and would take Detroit to another Stanley Cup Title.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1953 (2):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, Right Wing: 49 G, 46 A, 95 P, 15.5 PS  

Following Howe’s first Hart Trophy win, the Right Wing won his third straight Art Ross, and in this year, Howe had a career high in Points with 95.  Howe was also on his third straight First Team All-Star and would win the scoring title the year after.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1954:  Ted Kennedy, Toronto Maple Leafs, Center: 10 G, 42 A, 52 P, 5.3 PS  

Playing his entire career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ted Kenendy was in his 13^th of what would be 14 NHL Seasons.  Prior to this year, Kennedy was a five-time Stanley Cup Champion, three-time Second Team All-Star, and he led the NHL in Assists in 1950-51.  Kennedy was a surprise winner for the Hart this year and with all due respect to Kennedy, this award was more the result of a “lifetime achievement award”, as statistically speaking there were better candidates.  Kennedy was also the first Hart winner in the era of post-season All-Star awards not to be named to either a First or Second Team.  He retired after the Hart win, but did briefly come back the year after only to retire again.  Kennedy left the sport with 560 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1966.

1956:  Jean Beliveau, Montreal Canadiens, Center: 47 G, 41 A, 88 P, 13.0 PS        

The year before, Jean Beliveau established himself as a star, winning a First Team All-Star spot.  This season, the Center did it again, also capturing the Art Ross Trophy with 88 Points and leading the NHL in Goals (47).  In Beliveau’s first Hart Trophy win, he would win the first of what would be ten Stanley Cups.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1957 (3):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, Right Wing: 44 G, 45 A, 89 P, 11.8 PS  

In between his second and third Hart Trophy, Howe led the Red Wings to two Stanley Cup Championships.  The man who was half-scorer and half/bruiser also had another First and Second Team All-Star in his resume, and this year he secured his fifth First Team All-Star.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1958 (4):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, Right Wing: 33 G, 44 A, 77 P, 8.8 PS  

Howe made history in the NHL as the first player regardless of position to be a four-time Hart Trophy winner.  This also coincided with his sixth First Team All-Star Selection.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1959:  Andy Bathgate, New York Rangers, Right Wing: 40 G, 48 A, 88 P, 9.9 PS      

Bathgate was in his seventh NHL campaign, which up until this time had all been with the New York Rangers.  Bathgate was a Second Team All-Star the year before and was also the runner-up for the Hart.  This season he was a First Team All-Star, and his 88 Points would be a career-high. Bathgate was again a First Team All-Star in 1962, and a Second Team All-Star in 1963, but he was traded the year after to Toronto where he won his first and only Stanley Cup.  Bathgate later played for Detroit and Pittsburgh, and a brief return in Vancouver of the WHA.  Overall, Bathgate scored 973 Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978.

1960 (5):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, Right Wing: 28 G, 45 A, 73 P, 7.4 PS  

Who better than Gordie Howe to become the first Hart Trophy winner of the 1960s?  Howe was a Second Team All-Star in between his fourth and fifth Hart win, and he was the first player to be a five-time Hart Trophy winner.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1961:  Bernie Geoffrion, Montreal Canadiens, Right Wing: 50 G, 45 A, 95 P, 11.6 PS       

Bernie Geoffrion won the Calder Trophy in 1952, and he was a Second Team All-Star and Art Ross winner in 1954-55.  The Right Wing had to wait four more years before he was a post-season All-Star (Second Team in 1959-60), and this season he was finally a First Team All-Star, winning his second Art Ross and first and only Hart. Geoffrion also led the NHL in Goals (50), the second team he accomplished that feat.  A six-time Stanley Cup winner, Geoffrion played until 1968, with his last two years playing for the New York Rangers. Geoffrion scored 822 Points over 883 Games.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1962:  Jacques Plante, Montreal Canadiens, Goalie: 42-12-14 Record, 2.37 GAA, 15.6 PS        

Jacques Plante made history as the first Goalie in history to wear a facemask but this player was more than just a man who had a footnote in hockey history.  Plante was in his tenth season in Montreal where he won his sixth Vezina Trophy, and this was his third First Team All-Star win.  Already a six-time Stanley Cup Champion, Plante tied his career-high 42 Wins, and he won his sixth GAA Titles (2.37).  His 15.6 Goalie Point Shares, also tied his previous best. Plante played one more year with Montreal and two more with the Rangers for two years before he retired in 1965. Three years later, he came out of retirement with the St. Louis Blues where he won another Vezina.  He joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1971, where at age 42, he was a Second Team All-Star.  Plante finished off his career with stints with Boston and Edmonton in the WHA.  He had 437 career Games.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978.

1963 (6):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, Right Wing: 38 G, 48 A, 86 P, 9.5 PS  

In what would be the sixth and final Hart trophy win for Gordie Howe, the legend secured had a pair of Second Team All-Star Selections in between his fifth and sixth win.  Howe won the Art Ross for the final time in his career and he would later be named a First Team All Star four more times and a Second Team All-Star three more times.  Following his last Hart win, Howe had five more Hart Trophy top-five finishes.  He retired in 1971, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall the year after, but he would join his sons later in the World Hockey Association, where the HOFer was twice and WHA First Team All-Star.  Howe’s last year happened in 1980 when his Hartford Whalers were now in the NHL.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1964 (2):  Jean Beliveau, Montreal Canadiens, Center: 28 G, 50 A, 78 P, 8.7 PS  

In between Beliveau’s first and second Hart win, the Center would be named to four more First Team All-Stars, a Second Team All-Star and would help lead Montreal to four more Stanley Cups.  This season, Beliveau was a Second Team All-Star (Stan Mikita was the First Team Center), and even though he was getting older (32), he had a lot left to offer.  He played until 1971, winning five more Stanley Cups, earning two more Second Team All-Star selections, and won the Conn Smythe in 1965.  Beliveau played his entire career with Montreal and scored 1,219 Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1965:  Bobby Hull, Chicago Blackhawks, Left Wing: 39 G, 32 A, 71 P, 9.0 PS           

The “Golden Jet” had better seasons before he won his first Hart Trophy, but this doesn’t take away from what was another good year by Bobby Hull.  Prior to this win, Hull led the NHL in Goals three times, won the Art Ross twice, and this was his fourth First Team All-Star Selection. Hill also won the Lady Byng this year for the first and only time in his career.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

1966 (2):  Bobby Hull, Chicago Blackhawks, Left Wing: 54 G, 43 A, 97 P, 10.6 PS  

Hull went to back-to-back in Hart Trophy wins, and he would again lead the NHL in Goals (54) and won his third and final Art Ross with a 97 Point year.  Hull was a First Team All-Star again, and he would be a ten-time First Team All-Star overall.  Hull also finished in the top five in Hart voting five other times.  In 1972, Hull stunned the hockey world when he signed with the Winnipeg Jets of the World Hockey Association, and he was a three-time First Team All-Star in that league.  He was still with the Jets when they merged with the NHL, and he finished off that year with a brief stint as a Hartford Whaler.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

1967:  Stan Mikita, Chicago Blackhawks, Center: 35 G, 62 A, 97 P, 10.2 PS            

Stan Mikita helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 1961 and this was his ninth year of what would be a 22-year run in hockey. Mikita had already been a First Team All-Star four times, and an Art Ross winner twice, and he repeated both of those honors while adding the Lady Byng.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

1968 (2):  Stan Mikita, Chicago Blackhawks, Center: 40 G, 47 A, 87 P, 10.0 PS  

Like he did the year before, Mikita won the Hart, Art Ross and Lady Byng, marking the first time that a player did that back-to-back.  This was the last season that Mikita was named a First Team All-Star, but he would be a Second Team All-Star in 1970.  Mikita played until 1980 in a career spent entirely with Chicago accumulating 1,467 Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

1969:  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, Center: 49 G, 77 A, 126 P, 15.1 PS  

Phil Esposito’s 1968-69 season gave fits to the Chicago Blackhawks.  Why? Because they traded away the first man to score 100 Points in the NHL two years before.  Esposito did not just become the first player to get three digits, he shattered it with 126 Points!  He set a then record in Assists (77), and he also led the NHL in Plus/Minus (55).  Esposito was a Second Team All-Star the year before, was a First Team All-Star this season, and he added the Art Ross to that trophy case.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1970:  Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, Defense: 33 G, 87 A, 120 P, 19.5 PS  

There have been Defenseman who won the Hart before Bobby Orr, but none of them revolutionized the position.  We will go one step further.  Orr rewrote the game of hockey.  In his fourth pro year, Orr won his third Norris Trophy, and he was the first Defenseman to score 100 Points, and the first to win the Art Ross.  He would lead the Bruins to a Stanley Cup win, while also being named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the playoff MVP.  As spectacular as this year was, the best was yet to come.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

1971 (2):  Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, Defense: 37 G, 102 A, 139 P, 22.8 PS  

Bobby Orr and the Bruins did not repeat as Stanley Cup champions, nor did he win the Art Ross, despite having 139 Points, a career-high, and the all-time record for a Defenseman.  What he did do was become the first player to have over 100 Assists (102), and he remains one of two players to do so (the other is Wayne Gretzky). Orr also became the first player to have at least 100 in Plus/Minus, and his +124 is the best all-time.  He would also set another record with 22.8 Point Shares, again making him the first player to have 20 in that category and it is also a number that has yet to be matched.  The more we look at this year, the more our jaws drop to the floor.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

1972 (3):  Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, Defense: 37 G, 80 A, 117 P, 20.1 PS  

Orr pulled the “three-peat” with the Hart, and of course, he won the Norris Trophy. This was also the third year for Orr where he led the NHL in Assists, and he would do so again in 1973-74 and 1974-75. Orr led the Bruins to another Stanley Cup, where he also grabbed his second Conn Smythe.  Over the next three seasons, Orr won his sixth, seventh and eighth Norris Trophy, and he was third for the Hart in all of those years.  He would win his second Art Ross trophy in 1974-75, and to date he was the first, last and only blueliner to win that honor.  A knee injury derailed his career, and he only scored 55 Points over his final three years in hockey, the latter two being in a Blackhawks uniform.  He was fast-tracked into the Hall, and there will never be another Defenseman like him again.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

1973:  Bobby Clarke, Philadelphia Flyers, Center: 37 G, 67 A, 104 P, 10.3 PS        

For the first time, an expansion team had a player win the Hart when Bobby Clarke took it for the first of three times.  The Center, who had won the Bill Masterton Award the year before, was the Second Team All-Star behind Phil Esposito, but bested the Bruin as much of Philadelphia’s success this season was led by Clarke, but the best was coming for Philadelphia and the “Broad Street Bullies”

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

1974 (2):  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, Center: 68 G, 77 A, 145 P, 17.0 PS  

This was Esposito’s second Hart Trophy and had it not been for his teammate, Bobby Orr, he would have easily won at least another. In between his two Hart wins, Esposito won two Stanley Cups, three Art Ross Trophies and he set what seemed at the time to be an unreachable mark of 76 Goals in a season.  That year was arguably better than this year, where Esposito won his fifth Art Ross Trophy, was a First Team All-Star for the sixth time, and was also the winner of the Lester B. Pearson.  Esposito was also the NHL’s Goal leader for the sixth consecutive season, and this was also the fifth straight year a Bruin won the Hart.  The charismatic Center was a Second Team All-Star the year after, and he was then traded to the New York Rangers where he played until he retired in 1981.  Esposito accumulated 717 Goals and 1,590 Points over his career.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1975 (2):  Bobby Clarke, Philadelphia Flyers, Center: 27 G, 89 A, 116 P, 11.2 PS  

In between Clarke’s first and second Hart win, Clarke was a Second Team All-Star, but more importantly his Philadelphia Flyers made history as the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup. Clarke would take them to a second Cup this year, while earning First Team All-Star accolades for the first time. The man with the most famous missing front teeth led the NHL in Assists for the first time with 89.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

1976 (3):  Bobby Clarke, Philadelphia Flyers, Center: 30 G, 89 A, 119 P, 11.7 PS  

The Flyers did not win a third Stanley Cup, but Clarke repeated many of his regular season honors from the season before. The Center was a First Team All-Star, again led the NHL in Assists with 89, and he had a career-high in points with 119. Also, for the first time, he was first in the league in Plus/Minus with +83.  Clarke was the runner-up for the Hart the year after, and he played the entirety of his career with Philadelphia, retiring in 1984 with 1,210 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

1977:  Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, Right Wing: 56 G, 80 A, 136 P, 15.7 PS  

The Montreal Canadiens was in year two of their four-year dynasty in winning Stanley Cups, and it was Gut Lafleur who was their offensive leader.  Lafleur, who also won his second straight Lester B. Pearson Award, captured his second Art Ross and third First Team All-Star Selection.  This would be the only season where he won the Conn Smythe as well as leading the league in Assists (80).

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

1978 (2): Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, Right Wing: 60 G, 72 A, 132 P, 15.8 PS  

Lafleur was named a First Team All-Star for the fourth of what would be six straight selections, and would also mark his third and final Art Ross and Lester B. Pearson Award.  The Right Wing played with Montreal until he was forced to retire in the 1984-85 Season.  After being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, he came out of retirement for three seasons, one with the New York Rangers and two with Quebec.  He would retire for good in 1991, leaving the NHL with 1,353 Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

1979:  Bryan Trottier, New York Islanders, Center: 47 G, 87 A, 134 P, 13.6 PS      

Bryan Trottier became the first player in Islanders history to win the Hart Trophy, and you could say it was the siren of what was to come for the franchise.  Winning the Calder three years before, Trottier was a First Team All-Star for the second straight year, though this would be the last time he would be one. Nevertheless, Trottier would help lead the Islanders to the four Stanley Cups (1980-83) and was a Second Team All-Star twice.  Trottier would later aid the Pittsburgh Penguins win their first two Stanley Cups. He would have 1,425 career Points in the NHL.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1980:  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, Center: 51 G, 86 A, 137 P, 12.6 PS          

Buckle up.  This is going to take a while as we begin to look at the most prolific Hart Trophy winner ever, Wayne Gretzky.  Along with three other WHA teams, the Edmonton Oilers joined the NHL, and with them was Wayne Gretzky, who had only played one year of professional hockey but was already “The Great One”.  In his first NHL year, Gretzky led the NHL in Assists (86) and was a Second Team All-Star behind Marcel Dionne, who beat him for the Art Ross (they tied in Points, but Dionne had more Goals).  Gretzky also won the Lady Byng this year.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1981 (2):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, Center: 51 G, 86 A, 137 P, 14.3 PS  

Gretzky might have had stiff competition in Marcel Dionne for the Hart in 1980, but this year he erased all doubt.  The Center built on his numbers from the previous year, and he became the second player to accumulate over 100 Assists, with 109, a new record.  He missed out on the Art Ross last year, but not this season, winning his first, and along with it, his first First Team All-Star Selection.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1982 (3):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, Center: 92 G, 120 A, 212 P, 19.7 PS  

92 Goals.  When Phil Esposito lit the lamp 76 times, that record seemed unbreakable, but this year, Gretzky had 92 Goals and hit the 50 Goal mark after only 39 Games! Not only the Gretzky set new records in Goal scoring, he broke his own Assists mark (120), and broke the 200 Point plain with his personal best 212.  Gretzky also for the first time was the NHL leader in Plus/Minus (+80).  This was Gretzky’s second Art Ross and First Team All-Star, but for the first time he won the Lester B. Pearson Award, meaning his peers could no longer deny his talent.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1983 (4):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, Center: 71 G, 125 A, 196 P, 18.0 PS  

Gretzky was again an offensive juggernaut, and for the third year in a row, he broke the single-season Assists mark.  He repeated the awards he won last year, with an Art Ross, Lester B. Pearson and First Team All-Star, but this year he led the Oilers to their first Stanley Cup appearance.  They lost to the New York Islanders, but we knew was set to come.  Notably, Gretzky became the first player to win the Hart four years in a row.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1984 (5):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, Center: 87 G, 118 A, 205 P, 19.6 PS  

Imagine having a season where you score 87 Goals, 118 Assists and 205 Points, and none of those are personal highs.  Gretzky was just that good.  This was Gretzky’s fifth straight Hart (becoming the first to do have five straight), and he also won his fourth Art Ross and First Team All-Star, and he captured his third Lester B. Pearson Award.  The coup de gras for Gretzky was leading Edmonton to their first Stanley Cup win.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1985 (6):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, Center: 73 G, 135 A, 208 P, 19.6 PS  

Gretzky matched his idol’s (Gordie Howe) mark in Hart wins, but unlike Howe, Gretzky did it in six consecutive years.  This would be the fourth straight year the Gretzky led the NHL in Goals, and he also set a career-high in Plus/Minus with +100.  In regards to his trophy case, Gretzky repeated as the Art Ross winner, Lester B. Pearson winner and First Team All-Star, but this time he added a new award, the Conn Smythe Trophy, as the Oilers won their second Stanley Cup.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1986 (7):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, Center: 52 G, 163 A, 215 P, 17.0 PS  

Seven straight years.  Seven Hart Trophies.  A new record for obtaining Hockey’s greatest individual honor.  As what was typical for Gretzky, he set another record this season with the most Assists and Points in a season, and does it look like this record has any chance of being broken. Gretzky once again was a First Team All-Star and won the Art Ross again.  Sadly, for the Oilers, they were upset along the way in the playoff by the Calgary Flames.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1987 (8):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, Center: 62 G, 121 A, 183 P, 17.6 PS  

Gretzky did it again with an unprecedented eighth Hart Trophy, and he did so while collecting yet another First Team All-Star and Art Ross while leading the NHL in Goals for the fifth and final time.  Gretzky took the Oilers to their third Stanley Cup win, and he would also win the Lester B. Pearson for the fifth and final time.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1988:  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center: 70 G, 98 A, 168 P, 16.2 PS  

How do you break an eight-year streak of Hart Trophies by a legend?  By inserting a legend.  Mario Lemieux brought the Pittsburgh Penguins their first Hart Trophy winner, and playing at Center, he did the unthinkable by unseating Gretzky as the First Team All-Star.  Lemieux led the NHL in Goals for the first time, and this year he also notched his first Art Ross and Lester B. Pearson Award.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1989 (9):  Wayne Gretzky, Los Angeles Kings, Center: 54 G, 114 A, 168 P, 14.1 PS  

Gretzky did not win the Hart the year before, which turned out to be the last one in an Oilers uniform.  He was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, and this was his first year playing in California, where in his ninth (and final) Hart, he also became the first player to win the Hart for two different teams.  This season, Gretzky was a Second Team All-Star (behind Mario Lemieux).  Gretzky went on to win three more Art Ross Trophies, one more First Team All-Star, four more Second Team All-Stars and four Lady Byngs.  After a brief stint with St. Louis in 1996 and three final years with the Rangers, Gretzky retired as the all-time leader in Goals (894), Assists (1,963) and Points (2,857).

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1990:  Mark Messier, Edmonton Oilers, Center: 45 G, 84 A, 129 P, 11.3 PS  

The Edmonton Oilers traded Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings, which meant that Mark Messier would become the Oilers’ leader. Messier did what Gretzky couldn’t without the other…win the Stanley Cup.  Messier’s 129 Points were a career-high, and he was named a First Team All-Star this year.  What Messier this season should be celebrated a lot more than it is.

1991:  Brett Hull, St. Louis Blues, Right Wing: 86 G, 45 A, 131 P, 15.4 PS     

Brett Hull led the NHL in Goals for three seasons in a row, and in all three of them, he had at least 70.  This was Hull’s highwater mark, and he would also secure the Lester B. Pearson Award.  A three-time First Team All-Star, Hull later won a Stanley Cup as a Dallas Star in 1999 and a Detroit Red Wing in 2002.  Retiring in 2006, Hull had 527 career Goals.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

1992 (2):  Mark Messier, New York Rangers, Center: 35 G, 72 A, 107 P, 9.9 PS  

Messier followed his former teammate, Wayne Gretzky, as a Hart Trophy winner for two different teams.  Messier was now the leader of the Rangers, and he was also the winner of the Lester B. Pearson Award and a First Team All-Star.  Messier’s leadership would take the Rangers to a 1994 Stanley Cup, and he was so good at that role, that the National Hockey League would create a “Mark Messier Leadership Award”.   When he retired, Messier scored 1,887 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

1993 (2):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center: 69 G, 91 A, 160 P, 16.2 PS  

Before we get to what Lemieux accomplished this season, Lemieux probably should have won the Hart in Gretzky’s last Hart win. The French Canadian was the First Team All-Star, and he was one Point shy of 200 with 85 Goals.  Nevertheless, Lemieux went on to win the 1991 and 1992 Stanley Cup, and injuries prevented him from full seasons, which kept the Hart from his grabs.  This year, he only played 60 Games, but he won the Art Ross with 160 Points and led the NHL in Plus/Minus (+55).  Lemieux would also win the Lester B. Pearson, was a First Team All-Star and he was the Bill Masterton Award winner.  Why did he only play 60 Games?  Lemieux was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, yet came back to finish the season.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1994: Sergei Fedorov, Detroit Red Wings, Center: 56 G, 64 A, 120 P, 13.8 PS       

Making history as the first non-Canadian and first European to win the Hart, Sergei Fedorov was in his fourth NHL season and this was best statistical season by far.  Fedorov was a First Team All-Star, Lester B. Pearson and Frank J. Selke winner this year, and he would later win three Stanley Cups for Detroit.  The Russian later won another Selke Trophy and he would later play for Anaheim, Columbus and Washington.  Fedorov scored 1,179 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

1995:  Eric Lindros, Philadelphia Flyers, Center: 29 G, 41 A, 70 P, 8.8 PS  

The Philadelphia Flyers gave an awful lot to get Eric Lindros, and while it might not have been worth it, it was still a Hart winner.  Lindros was a First Team All-Star this year as well as Lester B. Pearson Award winner in this strike-shortened year.  Lindros also won his only Art Ross this year, and he was a 1.14 PPG player over his 13 NHL Seasons.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

1996 (3):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center: 69 G, 91 A, 160 P, 16.2 PS  

Before we get to what Lemieux accomplished this season, Lemieux probably should have won the Hart in Gretzky’s last Hart win. The French Canadian was the First Team All-Star, and he was one Point shy of 200 with 85 Goals.  Nevertheless, Lemieux went on to win the 1991 and 1992 Stanley Cup, and injuries prevented him from full seasons, which kept the Hart from his grabs.  This year, he only played 60 Games, but he won the Art Ross with 160 Points and led the NHL in Plus/Minus (+55).  Lemieux would also win the Lester B. Pearson, was a First Team All-Star and he was the Bill Masterton Award winner.  Why did he only play 60 Games?  Lemieux was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, yet came back to finish the season.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1997:  Dominik Hasek, Buffalo Sabres, Goalie 37-20-10 Record P, 17.2 GPS            

Dominik Hasek was already considered one of the best Goalies in Hockey, but this year he was elevated to the best player in the world. This season, Hasek won his third Vezina Trophy and earned his third First Team All-Star, and he was also named the Lester B. Pearson Award winner. Hasek was also first in Save Percentage for the fourth year in the row.  He also made history as the first Czech player to win the Hart.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

1998 (2):  Dominik Hasek, Buffalo Sabres, Goalie 33-23-13 Record P, 18.6 GPS  

In terms of accolades, Hasek repeated his efforts of 1997 with a Hart, Lester B. Pearson, a Vezina and a First Team All-Star, and he again led the NHL in Save Percentage.  Hasek would later win two more Vezina Trophies.  In 1999, Hasek took Buffalo on his back and carried them to a Stanley Cup Final.  The Czech Goalie grew frustrated and asked for a trade, which he got when he was sent to Detroit.  He would win two Stanley Cups with Detroit and then played in Europe, retiring in 2011.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

2000:  Chris Pronger, St. Louis Blues, Defense 14 G, 48 A, 62 P, 14.8 PS  

Pronger debuted in the NHL with the Hartford Whalers in 1994, and two years later he was a St. Louis Blue and, on his way, to becoming a star.  A Second Team All-Star in 1997-98, and two years later he won the Hart and Norris and was a First Team All-Star for the first and only time.  Pronger was a Second Team All-Star again in 2003-04, and he joined the Edmonton Oilers as a Free Agent, but he was unhappy there and looked for a trade.  He was dealt to Anaheim and helped them win a Stanley Cup and was a Second Team All-Star in 2007.  Pronger played until 2012, with his last three years coming as a Flyer.  He would accumulate 698 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

2001:  Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche, Center 54 G, 64 A, 118 P, 15.9 PS  

Sakic was the first Nordiques/Avalanche player to win the Hart, which he did in his 13^thseason.  Sakic had a career-high 54 Goals, was the NHL leader in Plus/Minus (+45) and he was also the winner of the Lady Byng and the Lester B. Pearson Award.  This year, Sakic and the Avs won the Stanley Cup, which was their second, having won it in 1996.  The Center was also named a First Team All-Star, and would be again in two of the next three years.  Sakic played his entire career with Quebec/Colorado, retiring in 2009 with 1,641 Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

2003:  Peter Forsberg, Colorado Avalanche, Center 29 G, 77 A, 106 P, 13.6 PS  

A Calder winner in 1995, Forsberg had already won two Stanley Cups and was already twice a First Team All-Star.  This year, Forsberg was a First Team All-Star for the third and final time, and he was the league-leader in Assists (77), Points (106) and Plus/Minus (+52).  He would later play for Philadelphia, Nashville and Colorado before retiring in 2011 with 885 Points in 708 Games.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

2004:  Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning, Right Wing 38 G, 56 A, 94 P, 13.2 PS  

It was a breakout campaign for St. Louis who was in his sixth season, and fourth in Tampa Bay after playing for Calgary in seasons one and two.  St. Louis became the first Lightning player to win the Hart, and he also won the Art Ross, was a First Team All-Star and was the NHL leader in Plus/Minus (+35).  St. Louis led Tampa to the Stanley Cup that year. After this year, St. Louis was a Second Team All-Star four times, won another Art Ross and would also win three Lady Byng Trophies.  He played until 2015, after a year and a half with the Rangers.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks, Center: 29 G, 83 A, 113 P, 13.5 PS, 2010

Along with his twin brother, Daniel, Henrik Sedin played his entire 17-year career with the Vancouver Canucks, with his best season coming right in the middle of it.  Sedin led the NHL in Assists (83) and won his first Art Ross Trophy while earning First Team All-Star honors.  Sedin was a First Team All-Star the year later, and he finished with 1,070 Points.

Inducted in 2022.

The following are the players who have won the Hart Trophy who are eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

1942:  Tom Anderson, Brooklyn Americans, Defense: 12 G, 29 A, 41 P, 6.0 PS 1942       

The New York Americans were rebranded the Brooklyn Americans for the 1941-42 Season, and the team was on life support. This would be the final year of existence for the Americans, and they produced an unlikely Hart Trophy winner in Defenseman, Tom Anderson.  If Anderson’s numbers seem high for a blueliner, he was also playing at Left Wing. Anderson first made the NHL in 1934 with the Red Wings, but he was with the Americans since 1935.  Following the folding of the Americans, Anderson returned to Canada (Calgary) to play semi-pro.  Anderson is not only the first player to win the Hart who is not in the Hockey Hall of Fame (we feel safe to say that he won’t ever) but was the first to win the Hart who never played in the NHL in the year after he won it.

Eligible since 1946.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

1954:  Al Rollins, Chicago Blackhawks, Goalie: 12-43-7 Record 3.21 GAA, 4.3 PS 

Rollins was a Stanley Cup Champion with the Toronto Maple Leafs and he joined the Chicago Blackhawks in 1952.  The Goalie joined a bad team, and in this season, he led the NHL in Losses (47) but was the only reason that Chicago was even worse.

Eligible since 1956.  Ranked #102 on Notinhalloffame.com.

2002:  Jose Theodore, Montreal Canadiens, Goalie: 30-24-10 Record 2.11 GAA, 17.4 PS 

This was easily Jose Theodore’s best year in hockey, as not only did the Goalie win the Hart and the Vezina, it was the only time over his career where he finished in the top ten for those awards.  Interesting enough, despite winning both the Vezina and Hart, he was a Second Team All-Star at Goalie behind Patrick Roy.  Theodore played until 2013, and he was also a member of Colorado, Washington, Minnesota and Florida.

Eligible since 2016.  Ranked #186 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The following are the players who have won the Hart Trophy in the NHL who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Hockey Hall of Fame:

The following are the players who have won the Hart Trophy who are still active.

1999:  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins, Right Wing 44 G, 83 A, 127 P, 14.6 PS  

This was Jagr’s ninth season in the NHL, and they were all spent with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Winning his third Art Ross Trophy, Jagr had career highs in Assists (83) and Points (127), and he was also the Lester B. Pearson winner, an honor he won twice more.  The two-time Stanley Cup champion would later play for Washington, New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, New Jersey, Florida and Calgary.  Still playing in Europe, Jagr scored 1,921 Points in the NHL.

50 Years Old, Playing in Europe.

Joe Thornton, Boston Bruins & San Jose Sharks, Centre: 29 G, 96 A, 125 P, 13.3 PS 2006

In his seventh NHL Season, the Boston Bruins felt that Joe Thornton was not the leader they needed, and Thornton believed that the Bruins brass were not committed to winning.  23 Games into the 2005-06 season, Thornton was traded to San Jose, and he finished the season winning the Art Ross and leading the NHL in Assists.  Named a First Team All-Star this year, Thornton had two Second Team All-Star years after this one.

43 Years Old, Free Agent.

2007:  Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center: 36 G, 84 A, 120 P, 13.3 PS

“Sid the Kid” did not win the Calder, as that went to his longtime rival, Alex Ovechkin.  Crosby would however beat him to a Hart win, which he collected in his sophomore season. Crosby would also win his first Art Ross, was named a First Team All-Star, and his peers named him their MVP, when he won the Lester B. Pearson Award.  There was a lot more to come for Crosby.

35 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2008:  Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals, Left Wing: 65 G, 47 A, 112 P, 17.2 PS 

Ovechkin won his first Hart Trophy in his third season, which was also the first by a Washington Capital.  A First Team All-Star in all of his seasons to date, Ovechkin also won the Lester B. Pearson Award, the Art Ross Trophy, and the Rocket Richard Award for his 65 Goals.  

37 Years Old, Playing for the Washington Capitals.

2009 (2):  Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals, Left Wing: 56 G, 54 A, 110 P, 14.5 PS 

The Russian Center repeated most of his honors in his back-to-back Hart win.  Ovechkin repeated as the Rocket Richard winner, and was a First Team All-Star for his fourth consecutive season.  He would also win the Lester B. Pearson Award.

37 Years Old, Playing for the Washington Capitals.

2011:  Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks, Right Wing: 50 G, 48 A, 98 P, 13.3 PS 2011

Perry won the Stanley Cup in his second season, and this, his sixth season in hockey was by far his best.  Perry won the Hart, was a First Team All-Star, the Rocket Richard winner, and the first ever Duck to win the MVP.  The Right Wing was a First Team All-Star again in 2014, and he played with the Ducks until 2019 where he joined the Dallas Stars afterward.

37 Years Old, Playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2012:  Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center: 50 G, 59 A, 109 P, 13.4 PS 2012

The first three seasons for Evgeni Malkin was nothing short of stunning.  Malkin won the Calder in 2006-07, was a First Team All-Star in all three years, and was the Art Ross Winner in 2008-09, while winning the Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe. Malkin’s two years after was riddled with injuries, but he made up for it in 2011-12 with a second Art Ross, and his first Hart.  Malkin was a First Team All-Star for the fourth time, and he also won the Ted Lindsay Award.  He would go on to win two more Cups with Pittsburgh.

36 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2013 (3):  Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals, Left Wing: 32 G, 24 A, 56 P, 8.0 PS 

When Ovechkin won his second Hart Trophy in 2009, he was already established as the top goal scorer in hockey.  In his third Hart win for years later, nothing had changed.  Ovechkin led the NHL in Goals for the third time, and would over the next three years.  In 2018, he achieved the ultimate goal and led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup.

37 Years Old, Playing for the Washington Capitals.

2014 (2):  Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center: 36 G, 84 A, 120 P, 13.3 PS

It was a seven-year gap between Crosby’s first and second Hart Trophy, but he accomplished a lot in that span.  Crosby won a Stanley Cup in 2009, and added another First Team All-Star (2013), a Second Team All-Star (2010), a Mark Messier Leadership Award (2010), a Rocket Richard Trophy (2009), and his second Lester B. Pearson (2013), which was now named the Ted Lindsay Award.  This season he collected another Art Ross, a Ted Lindsay, and a First Team All-Star Selection.  Crosby later won two more Stanley Cups with the Pens in 2016 and 2017.

35 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2015:  Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens, Goalie: 44-16-5 Record, 1.96 GAA, 16.2 PS

This was the eighth NHL season for Price, who as of this writing has only played for the Montreal Canadiens.  Price led the NHL in Wins (44), Save Percentage (.933) and Goals Against Average (1.96), and he not only won the Hart, he also captured the Vezina, William M. Jennings, Ted Lindsay Award, and he was also a First Team All-Star. This is the only year that Price was a post-season All-Star.

35 Years Old, Playing for the Montreal Canadiens.

2016:  Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks, Right Wing: 46 G, 60 A, 106 P, 15.0 PS

This was Kane’s ninth season in the NHL and the Chicago Blackhawk had already accomplished so much before his Hart win.  Kane won the Calder, and was already a two-time First Team All-Star, and a three-time Stanley Cup winner.  This season, Kane was a First Team All-Star for a third time, and also won his first Art Ross and Ted Lindsay Award.  Kane has been a First Team All-Star for a fourth time and earned a Second Team All-Star.  He is already a member of the 1,000 Point club.

33 Years Old, Playing for the Chicago Blackhawks.

2017:  Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers, Center: 30 G, 70 A, 100 P, 12.8 PS

McDavid was in his second season, where he not only won the Hart, but was the winner of the Art Ross and the Ted Lindsay.  This season also brought in the first of three First Team All-Stars and while he was not the Hart winner in 2017-18, he won the Ted Lindsay and Art Ross that year.

26 Years Old, Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

2018:  Taylor Hall, New Jersey Devils, Left Wing: 39 G, 54 A, 93 P, 12.2 PS

It could be argued that Hall’s Hart Trophy was a bit of a surprise as he while he was a very good player in his first seven seasons, a Hart was not pegged for him by many pundits.  This season he was also a First Team All-Star, and he brought the Devils their first Hart Trophy.

30 Years Old, Playing for the Boston Bruins.

2019:  Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning, Right Wing: 41 G, 87 A, 128 P, 14.6 PS

Kucherov was in his sixth NHL season (all with Tampa) and he would win not only the Hart but his first Art Ross and Ted Lindsay Award.  Kucherov was a First Team All-Star for the Second straight time and the year after he was a Second Team All-Star and led the Lightning win the Stanley Cup in 2020.

29 Years Old, Playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2020:  Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers, Center: 43 G, 67 A, 110 P, 12.8 PS

Draisaitl’s Hart Trophy win marked the first time that a German player won the most coveted individual award in Hockey.  Draisaitl was in his sixth season in hockey (all with Edmonton) and this year he also won the Ted Lindsay, Art Ross, and was a First Team All-Star.

27 Years Old, Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

2021:  Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers, Center: 30 G, 70 A, 100 P, 12.8 PS

McDavid won his second Hart and Ted Lindsay Award this year and also won his fourth Art Ross, with his current career-high of 123 Points.  The Center also was first in the NHL in Assists (72), another personal best.  

26 Years Old, Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

2022:  Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs, Center: 60 G, 46 A, 106 P, 13.8 PS

Scoring five goals in his first ever NHL game in 2016, Auston Matthews was destined to win the Hart Trophy one year, and six years later, it came to fruition.  Matthews led the NHL in Goals for the second straight year, also finished atop the leaderboard in Even Strength Goals (44) for the fourth time.  It takes a special player to unseat Connor McDavid as a First Team All-Star, and that is what Matthews was in 2021-22.  

25 Years Old, Playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With the exception of Taylor Hall, the recent winners should all get inducted, most of them on the first ballot.  It is a safe bet that when you win the Hart, you will earn a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Two months ago, we awarded Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers the Notinhalloffame Hockey Cup, where he rules were as followed:

With every single regular season game, we anointed the best five players in the game with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1.  

We knew the following:

• The top players for the NHL NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points.It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points easier that elite players on loaded squads.

• Please remember, that this is NOTnecessarily who we think were the best players this year, and does not reflect overall consistency.Treat this the way did, as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.  

However, that was just the Regular Season!

Like we did for the NBA, we did the same and kept it going into the playoffs, to also create the first ever Notinhalloffame.com Pure Cup.

So, NHL players!  Get your agents to work winning this into your contracts!

Here are the top 100 2021/22 rankings for the NHL NIHOF PURE CUP:

1. Connor McDavid: Edmonton Oilers, Center: (#1. Regular Season)

183 Pure Cup Points 148 Regular Season, 35 Playoff.

Regular Season: 80 Games, 1.85 Cup Points per Game, 44 Goals, 79 Assists, 123 Points, +28, 26 Blocked Shots, 75 Hits, 73 Takeaways, 68 Giveaways, 13.8 Point Shares. 

16 Playoff Games, 10 Goals, 23 Assists, 33 Points, +15, 4 Blocked Shots, 51 Hits, 14 Takeaways, 20 Giveaways.

In his seventh NHL Season, McDavid won his fourth Art Ross Trophy, and set career-highs in Goals, Assists, Points and Point Shares.  Beginning the season on a 17-Game Point streak, McDavid keeps getting better and he might be the best stickhandler in the game over the last five years.  The Oilers Center went to his fifth All-Star Game, was fifth in Point Shares and should be among the top five players in Hockey over the next five years.  McDavid led the Oilers to the Western Conference Final, the deepest playoff run they have had since 2006.  While Edmonton failed to make the Finals, McDavid still led all skaters in the playoffs in Points (33) and Plus/Minus (15). He was also named a Second Team All-Star.

2. Igor Shesterkin: New York Rangers, Goalie: (#6 Regular Season)

156 Pure Cup Points, 118 Regular Season, 38 Playoff.

Regular Season: 53 Games, 2.23 Cup Points per Game, 36 Wins, 29 Losses, 7 Ties/Overtime Losses, .935 Save Percentage, 2.07 Goals Against Average, 13.4 Goalie Point Shares

Playoff: 20 Games, 10 Wins, 9 Losses, .929 Save Percentage, 2.59 Goals Against Average

We have our first Goalie, Igor Shesterkin, who is only in his third year in the NHL.  Shesterkin led the NHL in Save Percentage, GAA, GA% (70), GSAA (44.9) and adjGAA (2.11).  It was a dominating performance by Shesterkin, and bluntly, Goalies have an easier time amassing Cup Points as shown by Shesterkin’s Cup Points per Game Average.  Shesterkin won the Vezina, and took New York to the Eastern Conference Finals.

3. Leon Draisaitl: Edmonton Oilers, Center: (#5 Regular Season)

148 Pure Cup Points 123 Regular Season, 25 Playoff.

Regular Season: 80 Games, 1.54 Cup Points per Game, 55 Goals, 55 Assists, 110 Points, +17, 25 Blocked Shots, 53 Hits, 74 Takeaways, 88 Giveaways, 13.2 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 16 Games, 7 Goals, 25 Assists, 32 Points, +4, 3 Blocked Shots, 8 Hits, 12 Takeaways, 19 Giveaways

It did not take long for a team to have two players in our top 100, and going into this season, it would have been the Oilers that we would have pegged as the team.  Draisaitl won the Art Ross two years ago, was fourth this year, and was second in Goals this season, while leading the NHL in Game-Winning Goals with 11.  As phenomenal as it is to see two players from Edmonton crack the top five, it also should be mentioned that there will not be a third anywhere close, showcasing the lack of depth of the Oilers, but the dynamic Centers took Edmonton the Western Conference Finals, while leading all skaters in Assists.  Draisaitl was also ninth in Hart voting.

4. Auston Matthews: Toronto Maple Leafs, Center: (#2 Regular Season)

183 Pure Cup Points 148 Regular Season, 35 Playoff.

Regular Season: 80 Games, 1.86 Cup Points per Game, 60 Goals, 46 Assists, 106 Points, +20, 62 Blocked Shots, 67 Hits, 92 Takeaways, 48 Giveaways, 13.7 Point Shares. 

7 Playoff Games, 4 Goals, 5 Assists, 9 Points, +1, 6 Blocked Shots, 32 Hits, 9 Takeaways, 6 Giveaways

Matthews might behind McDavid in both Cup Points and Points, but the 2016/17 Rookie of the Year won the Hart Trophy, the Ted Lindsay Award and was a First Team All-Star.  He led the league in Goals, Shots (348), and was slightly higher than McDavid in Cup Points per Game, which considering the greater depth of Toronto than Edmonton is very impressive.  Matthews set the Leafs record for Goals per Season, and he won his second Rocket Richard Award as the top Goal Scorer.  Notably, Matthews becomes the first skater in ten years since Steven Stamkos to crack 60 Goals.  The American Center still has incredible upside, though Toronto again failed in the playoffs, failing to get out of the first round.  

5. Kirill Kaprizov: Minnesota Wild, Left Wing: (#3, Regular Season)

138 Pure Cup Points 128 Regular Season, 10 Playoff.

Regular Season: 81 Games, 1.56 Cup Points per Game, 47 Goals, 61 Assists, 108 Points, +27, 29 Blocked Shots, 73 Hits, 57 Takeaways, 72 Giveaways, 12.6 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 6 Games, 7 Goals, 1 Assist, 8 Points, -3, 3 Blocked Shots, 4 Hits, 5 Takeaways, 4 Giveaways, 12.6 Point Shares. 

Last year’s Calder Trophy winner, is actually now 25, and with his past experience in Russia, is far more seasoned beyond what his NHL tenure suggests.  One of the top Wings in the NHL, Kaprizov went to his first All-Star Game this year, and was fifth in Goals and Points, and he is now the single-season Wild record holder in Goals, Assists and Points.  There is no doubt who is now the top star in Minnesota.  He finished seventh in Hart Trophy voting.

6. Johnny Gaudreau: Calgary Flames, Left Wing: (#7 Regular Season)

128 Pure Cup Points, 117 Regular Season, 11 Playoff.

Regular Season: 82 Games, 1.43 Cup Points per Game, 40 Goals, 75 Assists, 115 Points, +64, 9 Blocked Shots, 10 Hits, 50 Takeaways, 81 Giveaways, 14.6 Point Shares. 

Playoff: 12 Games, 3 Goals, 11 Assists, 14 Points, -3, 1 Blocked Shot, 1 Hits, 11 Takeaways, 14 Giveaways

This is the best season of Gaudreau’s life, as he not only posted highs in Goals, Assists and Points (all by wide margins), but he blew his previous Plus/Minus number away with a league-leading +64, 46 higher than his previous high.  Gaudreau was a previous Lady Byng Trophy winner and he was fourth in Hart Voting this year while capturing his first post-season All-Star (First Team).  He signed with Columbus in the off-season.

7. Steven Stamkos: Tampa Bay Lightning, Center: (#12 Regular Season

126 Pure Cup Points, 105 Regular Season, 21 Playoff

Regular Season: 81 Games, 1.30 Cup Points per Game, 42 Goals, 64 Assists, 106 Points, +24, 31 Blocked Shots, 93 Hits, 30 Takeaways, 24 Giveaways, 12.4 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 23 Games, 11 Goals, 8 Assists, 19 Points, +7, 24 Blocked Shots, 60 Hits, 4 Takeaways, 11 Giveaways

Stamkos never stops scoring, and though the two-time Rocket Richard winner is into his 30s, he is still one of Tampa’s most potent weapons.  A member of the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions, Stamkos finally had his first 100 Point year, and also tied for the league-lead in Game-Winning Goals (11).  Next year, Stamkos should eclipse 500 Goals and 1,000 Points.  Tampa did not win their third consecutive Stanley Cup, but he did his best to try to make it happen.

8. Andrei Vasilevskiy: Tampa Bay Lightning, Goalie: (#39 Regular Season

125 Pure Cup Points, 86 Regular Season, 39 Playoff

Regular Season: 63 Games, 1.71 Cup Points per Game, 39 Wins, 18 Losses, 5 Ties/Overtime Losses, .916 Save Percentage, 2.49 Goals Against Average, 12.0 Goalie Point Shares

Playoffs: 23 Games, 14 Wins, 9 Losses, .922 Save Percentage, 2.52 Goals Against Average

The backstop for the last two Stanley Cup Championship Teams, Vasilevskiy led the NHL in Wins for the fifth consecutive year.  The 2019 Vezina winner went to his fourth All-Star Game, was ninth in GAA and seventh in Goalie Point Shares.  Vasilevskiy didn’t win the Vezina this year (he was fifth), but is still an upper-echelon NHL Goalie, as shown by his playoff performance. In fact, it was Vasilevskiy who led all players in Playoff Cup Points.

9. (Tie) Jacob Markstrom: Calgary Flames, Goalie: (#10 Regular Season

124 Pure Cup Points, 106 Regular Season, 18 Playoff

Regular Season: 63 Games, 1.68 Cup Points per Game, 37 Wins, 15 Losses, 9 Ties/Overtime Losses, .922 Save Percentage, 2.22 Goals Against Average, 12.2 Goalie Point Shares

Playoff: 12 Games, 5 Wins, 7 Losses, .901 Save Percentage, 2.95 Goals Against Average

Our highest rated player from Sweden, the Flames join their provincial rival as the only team with at least two players in the top ten.  Markstrom is coming off his best season in his 12 North American campaigns, and he led the NHL in Shutouts (9), which is more than the eight he had over the rest of his career.  He finished in the top four in Save Percentage and GAA, and logged the fifth most minutes between the pipes (3,696).

10. Alex Ovechkin: Washington Capitals, Left Wing: (#5 Regular Season)

122 Pure Cup Points 122 Regular Season, 0 Playoff.

Regular Season: 77 Games, 1.58 Cup Points per Game, 50 Goals, 40 Assists, 90 Points, +8, 25 Blocked Shots, 156 Hits, 32 Takeaways, 50 Giveaways, 11.2 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 6 Games, 1 Goal, 5 Assists, 6 Points, -3, 2 Blocked Shots, 30 Hits, 3 Takeaways, 6 Giveaways

Ovechkin might look a lot older, but his play on the ice defies his exterior.  For the first time since 2009/10, Ovie had at least 90 Points, and he had his ninth 50-Goal year, tying Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky, and becoming the oldest player ever to hit that mark.  After all this time, Ovechkin is still the best player for the Capitals, and the now eight-time All-Star is now 124 Goals behind Wayne Gretzky for the all-time lead.  We wouldn’t bet against him.  Saying that, Ovechkin had a poor playoff by his standards, and did not obtain any Cup Playoff Points.

11. Chris Kreider: New York Rangers, Left Wing (#13 Regular Season)

121 Pure Cup Points, 104 Regular Season, 17 Playoff

Regular Season: 81 Games, 1.28 Cup Points per Game, 52 Goals, 25 Assists, 77 Points, +19, 39 Blocked Shots, 141 Hits, 27 Takeaways, 45 Giveaways, 10.7 Point Shares. 

Playoff: 20 Games, 10 Goals, 6 Assists, 16 Points, -1, 9 Blocked Shots, 52 Hits, 13 Takeaways, 22 Giveaways

This might turn out to be Kreider’s career year, as for the first time in ten years, he cracked 50 Goals, and led the NHL in Power Play Goals (26) and Game-Winning Goals (11).  This year’s power play prowess set a franchise record for the Rangers, while also going to his second All-Star Game.  At the age of 30, this might the peak for Kreider, who helped the Rangers make the Eastern Conference Final.

12. Cale Makar: Colorado Avalanche, Defense (#43 Regular Season)

120 Pure Cup Points, 83 Regular Season, 37 Playoffs

Regular Season: 77 Games, 0.89 Cup Points per Game, 28 Goals, 58 Assists, 86 Points, +48, 110 Blocked Shots, 95 Hits, 49 Takeaways, 40 Giveaways, 15.2 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 20 Games, 8 Goals, 21 Assists, 29 Points, +7, 43 Blocked Shots, 28 Hits, 22 Takeaways, 13 Giveaways

Makar is one of the many stars of the Avs, and often when he had a great game, his teammates who played forward did too.  A lot more work to help Defenseman in Cup Points will be looked at for next year as we know this is way too low for a Norris wonnerr.  Again, the team he played on had a lot to do with it, and there is an element of luck, but there is no metric we could ever come up that has Makar as the 43^st best at anything…yet, here we are.  Makar clearly was not bothered by this “snub”, as he won the Norris, the Conn Smythe and the Stanley Cup in the same year.  

13. (Tie) Matthew Tkachuk: Calgary Flames, Right Wing: (#10 Regular Season)

117 Pure Cup Points, 106 Regular Season, 11 Playoff

Regular Season: 82 Games, 1.30 Cup Points per Game, 42 Goals, 62 Assists, 104 Points, +57, 20 Blocked Shots, 93 Hits, 41 Takeaways, 91 Giveaways, 13.5 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 12 Games, 4 Goals, 6 Assists, 10 Points, -6, 4 Blocked Shots, 14 Hits, 5 Takeaways, 17 Giveaways

With the 10^th place tie in the Regular Season standings, the Flames have three players in the top ten, and two on the same line with Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau.  The line (with another player you will see shortly) was the most explosive in hockey, and Tkachuk shattered his previous high of 77 Points with 104.  He was third in Plus/Minus this year, and for the first time, made the top ten in Goals and Points.  Tkachuk earned Second Team All-Star honors for the first time in his career.

14. Nathan MacKinnon: Colorado Avalanche, Center (#24 Regular Season)

115 Pure Cup Points, 94 Regular Season, 21 Playoff

Regular Season: 65 Games, 1.45 Cup Points per Game, 32 Goals, 56 Assists, 88 Points, +22, 39 Blocked Shots, 68 Hits, 37 Takeaways, 56 Giveaways, 9.6 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 20 Games, 13 Goals, 11 Assists, 24 Points, +11, 12 Blocked Shots, 28 Hits, 14 Takeaways, 13 Giveaways

MacKinnon had his fourth of five NHL years where he had at least 85 Points and the career-Avalanche player and two-time Second Team All-Star is poised to crack three digits in Points over the next three NHL seasons.  Now, you can add Stanley Cup Champion to his resume, and he earned, leading all players in Goals (13), Power Play Goals (6) and Shots (117) in the playoffs.

15. Mikko Rantanen: Colorado Avalanche, Right Wing (#19 Regular Season)

114 Pure Cup Points, 100 Regular Season, 14 Playoff

Regular Season: 75 Games, 1.33 Cup Points per Game, 36 Goals, 56 Assists, 92 Points, +35, 43 Blocked Shots, 58 Hits, 48 Takeaways, 49 Giveaways, 10.5 Point Shares. 

Playoff: 20 Games, 5 Goals, 20 Assists, 25 Points, +3, 8 Blocked Shots, 35 Hits, 22 Takeaways, 5 Giveaways.

From Finland, Rantanen exceeded 90 Points for the first time this season, and he led the NHL in Power Play Goals On-Ice For (54).  While Rantanen set career-high in the Scoring stat lines, this was his first season where his Shot Percentage dipped below 15.  Rantanen played a large part in Colorado’s third Stanley Cup.

16. (Tie) David Pastrnak: Boston Bruins, Right Wing (#13 Regular Season)

113 Pure Cup Points, 104 Regular Season, 9 Playoff

Regular Season: 72 Games, 1.41 Cup Points per Game, 40 Goals, 37 Assists, 77 Points, +13, 14 Blocked Shots, 63 Hits, 36 Takeaways, 77 Giveaways, 9.6 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 7 Games, 3 Goals, 3 Assists, 6 Points, +1, 2 Blocked Shots, 18 Hits, 5 Takeaways, 7 Giveaways

The Boston Bruins and Czech Republic get on the board with Pastrnak, whose stat line looks like he should be ten to twenty spots lower, but when the Bruins won this season, it was Pastrnak who was their top player.  Pastrnak is two years removed from winning the Rocket Richard Trophy and could win another in the future.

16. (Tie) Jonathan Huberdeau: Florida Panthers, Left Wing: (#8 Regular Season)

113 Pure Cup Points 113 Regular Season, 0 Playoff.

Regular Season: 80 Games, 1.41 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 85 Assists, 115 Points, +35, 28 Blocked Shots, 99 Hits, 63 Takeaways, 85 Giveaways, 11.9 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 10 Games, 1 Goal, 4 Assists, 5 Points, +1, 5 Blocked Shots, 27 Hits, 3 Takeaways, 7 Giveaways

This season, Huberdeau destroyed the record for Left Wingers in Assists by 14, and he cracked the 100 Point plateau for the first time in his ten-year career.  This is also the first year that he led the NHL in any major category (Assists), and he set the Panthers single-season record for Points.  Huberdeau also tied for second in Points this year and he added to his trophy case with his second straight Second Team All-Star Selection.  He also finished fifth for the Hart, but notably had zero Cup Points in the Playoffs, reflecting his poor post-season performance.

18. Juuse Saros: Nashville Predators, Goalie: (#9 Regular Season)

112 Pure Cup Points, 112 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 67 Games, 1.67 Cup Points per Game, 38 Wins, 25 Losses, 3 Ties/Overtime Losses, .918 Save Percentage, 2.64 Goals Against Average, 13.8 Goalie Point Shares

Playoffs: 6 Games, 2 Wins, 4 Losses, .921 Save Percentage, 2.78 Goals Against Average

Saros led the NHL this year in Point Shares while also logging the most minutes of any Goalie (3,931).  This is arguably Saros’ best year to date, and he is the highest Scandinavian player in regards to Cup Points.  An All-Star for the first time, Saros may not have finished in the top ten in GAA, but his Save Percentage was, and he was the workhorse of the year, not just for Nashville but for the entire league.  He did not have any Cup Points in the Playoffs, but did finish third for the Vezina.

19. Artemi Panarin: New York Rangers, Left Wing (#15 Regular Season)

108 Pure Cup Points, 102 Regular Season, 6 Playoff.

Regular Season: 75 Games, 1.36 Cup Points per Game, 22 Goals, 74 Assists, 96 Points, +21, 14 Blocked Shots, 22 Hits, 56 Takeaways, 71 Giveaways, 9.8 Point Shares. 

Playoff: 20 Games, 6 Goals, 10 Assists, 18 Points, -5, 10 Blocked Shots, 8 Hits, 16 Takeaways, 43 Giveaways

Panarin is in his seventh NHL season, and this year, he broke his single-season Point mark by one, and was fourth in Assists.  The former Calder Trophy winner was the Ranger’s highest scorer, and he scored 20 for the Rangers in this year’s playoffs.

20. Mika Zibanejad: New York Rangers, Center: (#42 Regular Season)

105 Pure Cup Points, 84 Regular Season, 21 Playoff

Regular Season: 81 Games, 1.04 Cup Points per Game, 29 Goals, 52 Assists, 81 Points, +30, 47 Blocked Shots, 67 Hits, 62 Takeaways, 58 Giveaways, 9.2 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 20 Games, 10 Goals, 14 Assists, 24 Points, Even, 11 Blocked Shots, 24 Hits, 17 Takeaways, 13 Giveaways

The now 11-year veteran cracked 80 Points for the first time, though his PPG was lower than last season’s COVID-shortened year.  Zibanejad was tenth in Power Play Goals with 15, and had an outstanding post-season.

22. Mitch Marner: Toronto Maple Leafs, Right Wing (#21 Regular Season)

104 Pure Cup Points, 97 Regular Season, 7 Playoff

Regular Season: 72 Games, 1.25 Cup Points per Game, 35 Goals, 62 Assists, 97 Points, +23, 35 Blocked Shots, 101 Hits, 67 Takeaways, 47 Giveaways, 10.6 Point Shares. 

Playoff: 7 Games, 2 Goals, 6 Assists, 8 Points, +3, 5 Blocked Shots, 10 Hits, 7 Takeaways, 1 Giveaway. 

Marner was a First Team All-Star last year, and the six-year pro has proven himself as a secondary star on a loaded Toronto squad.  Marner set personal bests in Goals and Points, and was eighth this year in Assists per Game (0.86).

22. Victor Hedman: Tampa Bay Lightning, Defense:  (#36 Regular Season)

103 Pure Cup Points, 87 Regular Season, 16 Playoffs

Regular Season: 82 Games, 1.06 Cup Points per Game, 20 Goals, 65 Assists, 85 Points, +26, 129 Blocked Shots, 94 Hits, 52 Takeaways, 56 Giveaways, 13.5 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 23 Games, 3 Goals, 16 Assists, 19 Points, +2, 42 Blocked Shots, 36 Hits, 6 Takeaways, 23 Giveaways

Hey, we said we have to do some tweaks going forward into next year in regards to blueliners!  Victor Hedman is on a five-year streak of being chosen for the post-season All-Star Teams, and he will get his sixth this year.  The former Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe winner, scored the most Points of his career in 2021/22, and amassed more Win Shares than he did in his Norris-winning year.  Hedman was named a Second Team All-Star and was a large part of Tampa third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals.

23. (Tie) Filip Forsberg: Nashville Predators, Center (#16 Regular Season)

101 Pure Cup Points, 101 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 69 Games, 1.48 Cup Points per Game, 42 Goals, 42 Assists, 84 Points, +12, 48 Blocked Shots, 112 Hits, 53 Takeaways, 56 Giveaways, 10.2 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 4 Games, 1 Goal, 0 Assists, 1 Point, -1, 6 Blocked Shots, 8 Hits, 8 Takeaways, 0 Giveaways

Forsberg overtook David Legwand as the all-time Predators leading scorer, doing so when he posted career-highs in Goals, Assists and Points.  The Swedish Center finished ninth in Goals and Even Strength Goals, with a fifth-place finish in Goals per Game.

23. (Tie) Andrei Svechnikov: Carolina Hurricanes, Right Wing: (26. Regular Season)

101 Pure Cup Points, 92 Regular Season, 9 Playoff

Regular Season: 78 Games, 1.18 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 39 Assists, 69 Points, +19, 15 Blocked Shots, 189 Hits, 44 Takeaways, 72 Giveaways, 7.9 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 14 Games, 4 Goals, 1 Assist, 5 Points, -1, 6 Blocked Shots, 52 Hits, 9 Takeaways, 17 Giveaways. 

The Second Overall Pick from 2018, Svechnikov continues his gradual improvement, not only in Points, but also in Hits, finishing with 189.  Still, a streaky player, Svechnikov had man games for the talented Canes squad where he was their top performer, but at age 22, he still has room to grow to become a more rounded player.

23. (Tie) Sebastian Aho: Carolina Hurricanes, Center & Left Wing: (#34 Regular Season)

101 Pure Cup Points, 88 Regular Season, 13 Playoffs.

Regular Season: 79 Games, 1.11 Cup Points per Game, 37 Goals, 44 Assists, 81 Points, +18, 23 Blocked Shots, 76 Hits, 68 Takeaways, 56 Giveaways, 9.4 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 11 Games, 4 Goals, 7 Assists, 11 Points, Even, 12 Blocked Shots, 23 Hits, 17 Takeaways, 12 Giveaways. 

In Aho’s sixth season, Aho posted his second 80-Point plus year, but had his best power play year with 28 Points on the advantage, his current high.  Aho went to his second All-Star Game this year, and also had a career-best nine Game-Winning Goals. 

25. (Tie) William Nylander: Toronto Maple Leafs, Center: (#26 Regular Season.

101 Pure Cup Points, 92 Regular Season, 9 Playoff.

Regular Season: 81 Games, 1.14 Cup Points per Game, 34 Goals, 46 Assists, 80 Points, -9, 30 Blocked Shots, 19 Hits, 59 Takeaways, 33 Giveaways, 7.8 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 7 Games, 3 Goals, 4 Assists, 7 Points, +1, 3 Blocked Shots, 4 Hits, 2 Takeaways, 0 Giveaways

Nylander has never been known for his two-way play, but there are other players with the Maple Leafs who can accomplish that, freeing Nylander to focus on what he does best.  He set personal records in Goals, Assists, Points and is coming off the most usage of his career, though Nylander is in a system that benefits his style.

25. (Tie) J.T. Miller: Vancouver Canucks, Center (#16 Regular Season)

101 Pure Cup Points, 101 Regular Season, 0 Playoff.

Regular Season: 80 Games, 1.26 Cup Points per Game, 32 Goals, 67 Assists, 99 Points, +15, 56 Blocked Shots, 172 Hits, 55 Takeaways, 62 Giveaways, 10.6 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

Like the player below he is tied below with, Miller is the highest ranked Cup Point player on a team that failed to make the playoffs.  This was the best year of Miller’s career, and he was easily the top skater for the Canucks, and he finished the campaign sixth in Assists and tenth in Points.  

25. (Tie) Kyle Connor: Winnipeg Jets, Left Wing (#16 Regular Season)

101 Pure Cup Points, 101 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 79 Games, 1.28 Cup Points per Game, 47 Goals, 46 Assists, 93 Points, -3, 23 Blocked Shots, 32 Hits, 66 Takeaways, 47 Giveaways, 10.5 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

Tied with Miller above, both skaters were unable to will their teams to the playoffs, though Connor is the first to have a negative Plus/Minus.  Considering Winnipeg allowed more Goals than they scored, and were constantly outshot, Connor’s -3 does not penalize him by much.  Connor also went to his first All-Star Game this year, and finished the year second in Even Strength Goals (36), fifth in Goals and sixth in Game-Winning Goals (9).

29. (Tie) Brad Marchand: Boston Bruins, Left Wing: (#40 Regular Season)

100 Pure Cup Points, 85 Regular Season, 15 Playoff

Regular Season: 70 Games, 1.21 Cup Points per Game, 32 Goals, 48 Assists, 80 Points, +16, 20 Blocked Shots, 78 Hits, 40 Takeaways, 62 Giveaways, 9.2 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 70 Games, 4 Goals,7 Assists, 11 Points, +3, 4 Blocked Shots, 13 Hits, 3 Takeaways, 3 Giveaway

Marchand was named a post-season All-Star four of the last five years with the Left Wing making the 80-Point mark for the fifth time.  This is his 13^th year in the NHL.  

29. Roope Hintz: Dallas Stars, Left Wing (#23 Regular Season)

100 Pure Cup Points, 96 Regular Season, 4 Playoff.

Regular Season: 80 Games, 1.25 Cup Points per Game, 37 Goals, 35 Assists, 72 Points, +15, 53 Blocked Shots, 82 Hits, 24 Takeaways, 49 Giveaways, 8.8 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 6 Games, 2 Goals, 2 Assists, 4 Points, +3, 5 Blocked Shots, 11 Hits, 1 Takeaway, 4 Giveaways

As good as Dallas were this year, there was no breakaway player, thus leading Hintz to have a rank this high.  The Finnish forward was on the Stars top line and was a clutch performer throughout the year.

29. (Tie) Aleksander Barkov: Florida Panthers, Center: (#26 Regular Season)

100 Pure Cup Points, 92 Regular Season, 8 Playoff

Regular Season: 67 Games, 1.37 Cup Points per Game, 39 Goals, 49 Assists, 88 Points, +36, 42 Blocked Shots, 50 Hits, 59 Takeaways, 51 Giveaways, 10.6 Point Shares. 

Playoff: 10 Games, 2 Goals, 5 Assists, 7 Points, +3, 7 Blocked Shots, 15 Hits, 10 Takeaways, 3 Giveaways

A special under-the-radar player due to playing on a low-profile team, Barkov is a former Lady Byng and Selke Winner, while finishing eighth in Goals per Game (0.58).  Jonathan Huberdeau took a few of Barkov’s Cup Points away, and playing 67 Games also cost him a potential top ten finish.  Barkov finished third in Selke voting.

32. (Tie) Roman Josi: Nashville Predators, Defense (#20 Regular Season

99 Pure Cup Points, 99 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 80 Games, 1.24 Cup Points per Game, 23 Goals, 73 Assists, 96 Points, +13, 133 Blocked Shots, 66 Hits, 48 Takeaways, 71 Giveaways, 13.9 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 4 Games, 1 Goal, 1 Assist, 2 Points, -3, 10 Blocked Shots, 7 Hits, 1 Takeaway, 2 Giveaways.

NIHOF Cup Points are far easier for Forwards than Defenseman, and where Josi fell, tells us that for next year we have to tweak this for Blueliners.  Josi should be the highest ranked Defenseman, and the former Norris Trophy winner should win it again this year, though the advanced metrics show that while Josi’s offense has never been better, this was not close to his best pure defensive season.  He finished second in Norris Trophy voting to Colorado’s Cale Makar, and was a First Team All-Star for the second time in his career.

32. (Tie) Alex DeBrincat: Chicago Blackhawks, Right Wing (#20 Regular Season

99 Cup Points, 82 Games, 1.21 Cup Points per Game, 41 Goals, 37 Assists, 78 Points, -13, 35 Blocked Shots, 101 Hits, 67 Takeaways, 47 Giveaways, 8.4 Point Shares. 

While it isn’t really DeBrincat’s team, in terms of talent, we can argue that Chicago WAS his team.  The native of Michigan went to his first All-Star Game this year, and he matched his 41 Goals from his 2018-19 sophomore season.  While he is already a very good player, DeBrincat could go to another level next season, but if he does so, it will be as an Ottawa Senator.

31. (Tie) Vladimir Tarasenko: St. Louis Blues, Right Wing: (#31 Regular Season)

91 Pure Cup Points, 91 Regular Season, 8 Playoff

Regular Season: 75 Games, 1.21 Cup Points per Game, 34 Goals, 48 Assists, 82 Points, +7, 45 Blocked Shots, 83 Hits, 17 Takeaways, 31 Giveaways, 8.9 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 12 Games, 6 Goals, 3 Assists, 9 Points, -2, 3 Blocked Shots, 21 Hits, 6 Takeaways, 5 Giveaways

Tarasenko asked to be traded at the start of the season due to his frustration on how the club handled his shoulder issues, but he remained a Blue the whole year, and St. Louis’ top player, and his team’s highest in Cup Points.  The Russian Right Wing posted a career-high 82 Points.

35. Nazem Kadri: Colorado Avalanche, Center (#44 Regular Season)

98 Pure Cup Points, 81 Regular Season, 17 Playoff

Regular Season: 71 Games, 1.14 Cup Points per Game, 28 Goals, 59 Assists, 87 Points, +13, 19 Blocked Shots, 52 Hits, 36 Takeaways, 34 Giveaways, 8.8 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 16 Games, 7 Goals, 8 Assists, 15 Points, +7, 5 Blocked Shots, 20 Hits, 7 Takeaways, 5 Giveaways. 

In his 13^th NHL year, Kadri had his best NHL year, a skyrocket above from what he ever accomplished and based on his age (31), it is unlikely he will exceed this.  Regardless of whether he does or doesn’t, Kadri now can say that he was an NHL All-Star, and that is one damned sweet place to be in.  In the playoffs, Kadri was the focal point of the team, and he was instrumental in the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup win.

36. (Tie) Frederik Andersen: Carolina Hurricanes, Goalie: (#25 Regular Season)

93 Pure Cup Points, 93 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

93 Cup Points, 52 Games, 1.79 Cup Points per Game, 35 Wins, 14 Losses, 3 Ties/Overtime Losses, .922 Save Percentage, 2.17 Goals Against Average, 10.1 Goalie Point Shares

No Playoff Games

Andersen is in his first year in Carolina, with him earing his first All-Star Game appearance.  The balanced Hurricanes team has a netminder this year that could potentially take his squad to another level.  Finishing fourth in Vezina voting, and the winner of the William M. Jennings Trophy, Andersen was injured and was unable to participate in the playoffs.

37. (Tie) Sidney Crosby: Pittsburgh Penguins, Center: (#36 Regular Season)

93 Pure Cup Points, 87 Regular Season, 6 Playoff

Regular Season: 69 Games, 1.26 Cup Points per Game, 31 Goals, 53 Assists, 84 Points, +19, 37 Blocked Shots, 50 Hits, 34 Takeaways, 54 Giveaways, 9.3 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 6 Games, 2 Goals, 8 Assists, 10 Points, +12, 6 Blocked Shots, 3 Hits, 9 Takeaways, 7 Giveaways,

Doesn’t this rank seem strange?  Sidney Crosby missed the first few games of the season, and he started off slow when he did get on the ice, resulting him (and rightfully so) not making the All-Star Game, but his second half was really good, and it felt like every week in the last two months, he climbed more this more than anyone else.  The Hart Trophy days of Crosby is behind him, but he is still a great player.  Notably, he joined the 500 Goal and 1,400 Point clubs this year, and again led his club in Points, though was tied with Jake Guentzel who had more Goals (40).

38. (Tie) Kevin Fiala: Minnesota Wild, Left Wing: (#26 Regular Season)

92 Pure Cup Points, 92 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 82 Games, 1.12 Cup Points per Game, 33 Goals, 52 Assists, 85 Points, +23, 21 Blocked Shots, 52 Hits, 38 Takeaways, 54 Giveaways, 9.1 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 6 Games, 0 Goals, 3 Assists, 3 Points, -5, 1 Blocked Shot, 1 Hit, 3 Takeaways, 3 Giveaways. 

A special under-the-radar player due to playing on a low-profile team, Barkov is a former Lady Byng and Selke Winner, while finishing eighth in Goals per Game (0.58).  Jonathan Huberdeau took a few of Barkov’s Cup Points away, and playing 67 Games also cost him a potential top ten finish.

38. (Tie) Jake Guentzel: Pittsburgh Penguins, Center (#45 Regular Season)

92 Pure Cup Points, 80 Regular Season, 12 Playoffs

Regular Season: 76 Games, 1.05 Cup Points per Game, 40 Goals, 44 Assists, 84 Points, +13, 38 Blocked Shots, 72 Hits, 41 Takeaways, 23 Giveaways, 9.7 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 7 Games, 8 Goals, 2 Assists, 10 Points, +1, 4 Blocked Shots, 2 Hits, 5 Takeaways, 5 Giveaways. 

Guentzel had a 40-Goal season three years ago, and with the technicality of Goal differential would lead Pittsburgh in scoring this year.  The Center finished the year fifth in Even Strength Goals with 33.  

38. (Tie) Timo Meier: San Jose Sharks, Right Wing: (#26 Regular Season)

92 Pure Cup Points, 92 Regular Season, 0 Playoff.

Regular Season: 77 Games, 1.20 Cup Points per Game, 35 Goals, 41 Assists, 76 Points, -3, 61 Blocked Shots, 152 Hits, 49 Takeaways, 53 Giveaways, 8.5 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

The San Jose Sharks and the growing nation of Switzerland crack the board with Meier having his best year to date, and making his first All-Star Game.  Meier also made history this year as the first Shark to score five Goals in a Game.

38. (Tie) Pavel Buchnevich: St. Louis Blues, Left Wing: (#36 Regular Season)

92 Pure Cup Points, 87 Regular Season, 5 Playoffs

Regular Season: 73 Games, 1.19 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 46 Assists, 76 Points, +29, 15 Blocked Shots, 57 Hits, 46 Takeaways, 41 Giveaways, 8.6 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 12 Games, 1 Goal, 10 Assists, 11 Points, -3, 9 Blocked Shots, 23 Hits, 8 Takeaways, 4 Giveaways

A New York Ranger for the first five seasons of his career, Pavel Buchnevich had his best year to date, setting career-highs in Goals, Assists and Points, and averaged over a Point per Game for the first time in his career.

42. (Tie) Gabriel Landeskog: Colorado Avalanche, Left Wing (#58 Regular Season)

91 Pure Cup Points, 70 Regular Season, 21 Playoff.

Regular Season: 51 Games, 1.37 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 29 Assists, 59 Points, +27, 34 Blocked Shots, 94 Hits, 17 Takeaways, 29 Giveaways, 7.5 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 20 Games, 11 Goals, 11 Assists, 22 Points, +15, 22 Blocked Shots, 66 Hits, 18 Takeaways, 16 Giveaways

Landeskog posted his best PPG this year and he showcased a deep Colorado team.  He missed a few games due to injury and concluded the year seventh in Goals per Game and was eighth in Shooting Percentage.  Landeskog had a strong post-season, leading everyone in Plus/Minus (+15), and maintained a PPG average en route to his first Stanley Cup.

43. Jason Robertson: Dallas Stars, Left Wing: (#32 Regular Season)

90 Pure Cup Points, 90 Regular Season, 0 Playoff.

Regular Season: 74 Games, 1.22 Cup Points per Game, 41 Goals, 38 Assists, 79 Points, +16, 24 Blocked Shots, 50 Hits, 48 Takeaways, 50 Giveaways, 10.0 Point Shares. 

Playoff: 7 Games, 1 Goal, 3 Assists, 4 Points, +3, 3 Blocked Shots, 5 Hits, 3 Takeaways, 6 Giveaways

Last year’s runner up for the Calder to Kirill Kaprisov, Jason Robertson is the first Dallas Star on the list, and pardon the pun, one of the game’s fastest rising star.  Robertson became the first player in Dallas history to have hat tricks in back-to-back games, and he had a share of the league-lead in Game Winning Goals (11).

44. Ilya Sorokin: New York Islanders, Goalie: (#33 Regular Season)

89 Cup Points, 52 Games, 1.71 Cup Points per Game, 26 Wins, 18 Losses, 8 Ties/Overtime Losses, .925 Save Percentage, 2.40 Goals Against Average, 12.0 Goalie Point Shares

Playoffs: 7 Games, 4 Wins, 1 Loss .922 Save Percentage, 2.79 Goals Against Average

A five-time KHL All-Star and now an NHL sophomore, Sorokin had a really good year, albeit on a team that treaded water.  The Islander with the most Cup Points, Sorokin was second in Save Percentage, fourth in GAA, and eighth in Goalie Point Shares.  If New York had better horses in front of Sorokin, he is capable of taking the Isles in a deep playoff run.

45. Brady Tkachuk: Ottawa Senators, Left Wing: (#34 Regular Season)

88 Pure Cup Points, 88 Regular Season, 0 Playoff.

Regular Season: 79 Games, 1.11 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 37 Assists, 67 Points, -7, 25 Blocked Shots, 270 Hits, 41 Takeaways, 68 Giveaways, 7.1 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

This is the perfect example of how you can accumulate Cup Points on a bad team, when you are one of the few scorers, as Brady Tkachuk’s 67 Points do not seem like he should be this high, but when Ottawa did score, chances were that Tkachuk would be around it.  The fact that he amassed 270 Hits this year, also helped him.  This is his best season to date of his four-year career, Tkachuk was Ottawa’s highest Cup Point getter.

46. (Tie) Darcy Kuemper: Colorado Avalanche, Goalie: (#53 Regular Season)

87 Pure Cup Points, 74 Regular Season, 13 Playoff

Regular Season: 57 Games, 1.30 Cup Points per Game, 37 Wins, 12 Losses, 4 Ties/Overtime Losses, .921 Save Percentage, 2.54 Goals Against Average, 12.1 Goalie Point Shares

Playoffs: 16 Games, 10 Wins, 4 Losses, .902 Save Percentage, 2.57 Goals Against Average.

This was Kuemper’s only year with the Avalanche, and it has yielded his best year to date.  Kuemper was fourth in Wins and fifth in Save Percentage.  He was also sixth in Goalie Point Shares.  Kuemper had a very good playoff, helping the Avalanche win their third Stanley Cup, but he now joins the Washington Capitals for the next season.

46. Adrian Kempe: Los Angeles Kings, Left Wing (#43 Regular Season)

87 Pure Cup Points, 82 Regular Season, 5 Playoff

Regular Season: 78 Games, 1.05 Cup Points per Game, 35 Goals, 19 Assists, 54 Points, -2, 28 Blocked Shots, 111 Hits, 34 Takeaways, 63 Giveaways, 6.5 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 7 Games, 2 Goals, 4 Assists, 6 Points, -5, 1 Blocked Shot, 13 Hits, 0 Takeaways, 7 Giveaways

Going into this year’s playoffs, the argument could be made that the Kings were the weakest post-season participant.  Nevertheless, Los Angeles made it, and Kempe was a large part of that with clutch performances that defy his stat line.

46. (Tie) Nikita Kucherov: Tampa Bay Lightning, Right Wing (#58 Regular Season)

87 Pure Cup Points, 70 Regular Season, 17 Playoff.

Regular Season: 47 Games, 1.49 Cup Points per Game, 25 Goals, 44 Assists, 69 Points, +1, 7 Blocked Shots, 32 Hits, 24 Takeaways, 37 Giveaways, 7.4 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 23 Games, 8 Goals, 19 Assists, 27 Points, +7, 3 Blocked Shots, 24 Hits, 17 Takeaways, 18 Giveaways

Injuries held Kucherov to 47 Games, limiting not only his Cup Points but preventing him from likely winning a fifth consecutive post-season All-Star.  A member of the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions, Kucherov won the 2019 Hart Trophy and Art Ross was second in Points Per Game this year (1.47).  He again had a good playoff, aiding the Lightning in their third consecutive Final.

49. Thatcher Demko: Vancouver Canucks, Goalie: (#49 Regular Season)

85 Pure Cup Points, 85 Regular Season, 0 Playoffs

Regular Season: 64 Games, 1.33 Cup Points per Game, 33 Wins, 22 Losses, 7 Ties/Overtime Losses, .915 Save Percentage, 2.72 Goals Against Average, 12.3 Goalie Point Shares

No Playoff Games.

Demko accumulated more Cup Points than any other Canuck and he went to his first All-Star Game as Vancouver’s undisputed starting Goalie.  He was ninth in Wins and fourth in Goalie Point Shares, and Demko gave us reason to think he can still improve.

50. (Tie) Adam Fox: New York Rangers, Defense (#67 Regular Season)

83 Pure Cup Points, 67 Regular Season, 16 Playoffs.

Regular Season: 78 Games, 0.86 Cup Points per Game, 11 Goals, 63 Assists, 74 Points, +18, 128 Blocked Shots, 30 Hits, 78 Takeaways, 58 Giveaways, 11.8 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 20 Games, 5 Goals, 16 Assists, 23 Points, +2, 39 Blocked Shots, 17 Hits, 25 Takeaways, 26 Giveaways. 

Yes, we know this is another example where Forwards have it much easier in Cup Points, especially when you look at the Goal/Assist differential of Fox.  Last year’s Norris Trophy winner, was tenth in Assists and was an All-Star for the first time.  Fox finished fifth this year for the Norris, and helped anchor New York to the Eastern Conference Finals.

51. Elias Lindholm: Calgary Flames, Center (#52 Regular Season)

82 Pure Cup Points, 75 Regular Season, 7 Playoff

Regular Season: 82 Games, 0.92 Cup Points per Game, 42 Goals, 40 Assists, 82 Points, +61, 52 Blocked Shots, 66 Hits, 55 Takeaways, 41 Giveaways, 11.3 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 12 Games, 5 Goals, 4 Assists, 9 Points, -7, 8 Blocked Shots, 27 Hits, 3 Takeaways, 8 Giveaways. 

The Cup Points of Lindholm was eaten by his linemates, but along with Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, Lindholm was one-third of the most productive trio of the NHL’s 2021-22 Regular Season.  This has to be the case, as Lindholm’s +61 was second overall, and his linemates rounded out the top three.  Hey, someone has to receive the lower portion of Cup Points when one line is electric!  Lindholm was also ninth in Goals and tied for sixth in Game-Winning Goals (9) this year.

52. (Tie) Marc-Andre Fleury: Chicago Blackhawks & Minnesota Wild, Goalie: (#46 Regular Season)

80 Pure Cup Points, 80 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 56 Games, 1.43 Cup Points per Game, 28 Wins, 23 Losses, 5 Ties/Overtime Losses, .908 Save Percentage, 2.90 Goals Against Average, 9.7 Goalie Point Shares.

Playoffs: 5 Games, 2 Wins, 3 Losses, .906 Save Percentage, 3.04 Goals Against Average

Fleury is the first player on this list to appear for two teams this year, and the veteran Goalie and three-time Stanley Cup Champion is enjoying a renaissance of sorts with the Wild after his trade from Chicago.  A title by Minnesota led by Fleury would be massive for his Hall of Fame chances.  Despite being in his late 30s, Fleury was eighth in Minutes logged by a Goalie.

52. (Tie) Tristan Jarry: Pittsburgh Penguins, Goalie: (#46 Regular Season)

80 Pure Cup Points, 80 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 58 Games, 1.38 Cup Points per Game, 34 Wins, 18 Losses, 6 Ties/Overtime Losses, .919 Save Percentage, 2.42 Goals Against Average, 11.5 Goalie Point Shares

Playoffs: 1 Game, 0 Wins, 0 Losses, .867 Save Percentage, 3.71 Goals Against Average.

Jarry has been the prime netminder for Pittsburgh for the last two years, and he was chosen for his second All-Star Game this year.  Jarry was sixth in both GAA and Save Percentage, and ninth in Goalie Point Shares.

54. Connor Hellebucyk: Winnipeg Jets, Goalie: (#49 Regular Season)

79 Pure Cup Points, 79 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

79 Cup Points, 66 Games, 1.20 Cup Points per Game, 29 Wins, 27 Losses, 10 Ties/Overtime Losses, .910 Save Percentage, 2.97 Goals Against Average, 12.5 Goalie Point Shares

No Playoff Games

The Winnipeg Jets may have finished the year with a winning record, but it felt like every game they were outshot, and considering that Hellebucyk led the NHL in Shots Against and Saves (both for the fourth straight year) says so much about his value to this team, even if they didn’t make the playoffs.  Hellebucyk was also second in Minutes Played. 

55. (Tie) Elvis Merzikins: Columbus Blue Jackets, Goalie: (#50 Regular Season)

77 Pure Cup Points, 77 Regular Season, 0 Playoff.

Regular Season: 59 Games, 1.35 Cup Points per Game, 27 Wins, 23 Losses, 7 Ties/Overtime Losses, .907 Save Percentage, 3.22 Goals Against Average, 10.6 Goalie Point Shares

No Playoff Games.

Columbus and the nation of Latvia have their first entrant with Merzlikins, who had to take on the lion’s share of his team’s competency.  Merzlikins finished fourth in Saves and tenth in Goalie Point Shares this year.

55. (Tie) Ryan Hartman: Minnesota Wild, Right Wing (#50 Regular Season)

77 Pure Cup Points, 77 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 82 Games, 0.94 Cup Points per Game, 34 Goals, 31 Assists, 65 Points, +31, 38 Blocked Shots, 72 Hits, 41 Takeaways, 23 Giveaways, 7.5 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 5 Games, 0 Goals, 5 Assists, 5 Points, Even, 5 Blocked Shots, 4 Hits, 2 Takeaways, 3 Giveaways

Hartman earns the distinction (is it?) of being the first on the list with a sub-one Cup Points per Game average, but someone had to be!  Hartman is an eight-year veteran and his 65 Points this year is more than twice than his previous best, but it is also the first time he averaged more than 16 Minutes of ice time per game.  Is Hartman’s year a fluke, or is he elevated by those around him?

57. (Tie) Jake Oettinger: Dallas Stars, Goalie (#101 Regular Season)

76 Pure Cup Points, 53 Regular Season, 23 Playoff

Regular Season: 48 Games, 1.10 Cup Points per Game, 30 Wins, 15 Losses, 1 Ties/Overtime Losses, .914 Save Percentage, 2.53 Goals Against Average, 8.4 Goalie Point Shares

Playoffs: 7 Games, 3 Wins, 4 Losses, .954 Save Percentage, 1.81 Goals Against Average.

In his sophomore season, Oettinger is now the top netminder for Dallas, and he proved his worth with a very strong post-season.  His .954 Save Percentage led all playoff Goalies.

57. (Tie) Jack Campbell: Toronto Maple Leafs, Goalie: (#58 Regular Season)

76 Pure Cup Points, 70 Regular Season, 6 Playoff

Regular Season: 49 Games, 1.43 Cup Points per Game, 31 Wins, 9 Losses, 6 Ties/Overtime Losses, .914 Save Percentage, 2.64 Goals Against Average, 8.8 Goalie Point Shares

Playoffs: 7 Games, 3 Wins, 4 Losses, .897 Save Percentage, 3.15 Goals Against Average.

Campbell struggled a bit in the second half of the season, but this is the best year to date for the American-born Goalie who was an All-Star for the first time at the age of 30.  He finished the season sixth in GAA and ninth in Save Percentage.  After failing to get out of the first round (where Campbell was not great), Campbell signed with the Edmonton Oilers in the off-season.

59. (Tie) Patrice Bergeron: Boston Bruins, Center (#63 Regular Season)

75 Pure Cup Points, 68 Regular Season, 7 Playoff.

Regular Season: 73 Games, 0.93 Cup Points per Game, 25 Goals, 40 Assists, 65 Points, +26, 45 Blocked Shots, 78 Hits, 37 Takeaways, 14 Giveaways, 7.5 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 7 Games, 3 Goals, 4 Assists, 7 Points, +3, 5 Blocked Shots, 15 Hits, 3 Takeaways, 2 Giveaways,

Bergeron has already accomplished so much as a Stanley Cup Champion, four-time Selke winner and last year’s Mark Messier Leadership Award winner, but he has a lot left as shown by doing this year what he has always done for the last fifteen.

60. (Tie) Tage Thompson: Buffalo Sabres, Center (#53 Regular Season)

74 Pure Cup Points, 74 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

74 Cup Points, 78 Games, 0.95 Cup Points per Game, 38 Goals, 30 Assists, 68 Points, -17, 25 Blocked Shots, 66 Hits, 49 Takeaways, 42 Giveaways, 7.7 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games.

You could argue that if the NHL had a Most Improved Player Award that Thompson could have won it.  Thompson exploded in his new role as a top player with stats that dwarfed anything he did before, and the future will tell us if he is just the beneficiary of more ice time or the real deal.

60. (Tie) Jonathan Marchessault: Vegas Golden Knights, Center (#53 Regular Season)

74 Pure Cup Points, 74 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 76 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 36 Assists, 66 Points, +3, 17 Blocked Shots, 61 Hits, 38 Takeaways, 46 Giveaways, 7.2 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

The Golden Knights shot out of a cannon since they came into existence, and although they missed this year’s post-season, it was a surprise to us that it took this long until a Vegas player made this list.  Marchessault is a good player, but the fact that he was first amongst his teammates, might show why the Knights were not a playoff team, as he just isn’t that player.

62. Sergei Bobrovsky: Florida Panthers, Goalie: (#71 Regular Season)

73 Pure Cup Points, 64 Regular Season, 9 Playoff

Regular Season: 54 Games, 1.19 Cup Points per Game, 39 Wins, 7 Losses, 3 Ties/Overtime Losses, .913 Save Percentage, 2.67 Goals Against Average, 9.4 Goalie Point Shares

Playoffs: 10 Games, 4 Wins, 6 Losses, .911 Save Percentage, 2.76 Goals Against Average,

Bobrovsky led the NHL in Wins, and while he was really good, many of them were the result of the potent lineup ahead of him.  He won two Vezina Trophies when he was a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and this year he was on the team that won the President’s Trophy as the squad that had the most Points in the Regular Season.

62. (Tie) Matt Duchene: Nashville Predators, Center (#56 Regular Season)

73 Pure Cup Points, 73 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 78 Games, 0.94 Cup Points per Game, 43 Goals, 43 Assists, 86 Points, +6, 28 Blocked Shots, 31 Hits, 31 Takeaways, 77 Giveaways, 9.9 Point Shares. 

Playoff Games:  4 Games, 3 Goals, 1 Assist, 4 Points, +1, 3 Blocked Shots, 9 Hits, 7 Takeaways, 1 Giveaway

Matt Duchene had his greatest statistical year in 2021/22, posting his first 40-Goal and 80-Point year in the National Hockey League.  Duchene was eighth in Goals and third in Power Play Goals (16), and it will be fascinating to see if the Forward can maintain this level next year.

64. (Tie) Troy Terry: Anaheim Ducks, Center & Right Wing (#57 Regular Season)

72 Pure Cup Points, 72 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 75 Games, 0.96 Cup Points per Game, 37 Goals, 30 Assists, 67 Points, -11, 27 Blocked Shots, 6 Hits, 35 Takeaways, 4 Giveaways, 7.6 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games.

Troy Terry is an All-Star for the first time this year, but his lack of physical game shows him as more of a finesse player, though he obliterated his traditional stats from last year (67 Points from 20). Terry will likely have more potent years in the future, but he needs a team around him to do what he cannot.  Notably, Terry has the most Cup Points this year of any Duck.

64. (Tie) Evander Kane, Edmonton Oilers, Left Wing (#115)

72 Pure Cup Points, 49 Regular Season, 22 Playoff

Regular Season: 43 Games, 1.14 Cup Points per Game, 22 Goals, 17 Assists, 39 Points, +25, 11 Blocked Shots, 135 Hits, 16 Takeaways, 27 Giveaways, 5.3 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 15 Games, 13 Goals, 4 Assists, 17 Points, +2, 6 Blocked Shots, 73 Hits, 3 Takeaways, 11 Giveaways

What a bizarre year for Kane, who went from faking a vaccine card as a San Jose Shark, to becoming the spark plug that the Oilers needed to make the playoffs and reach the Western Conference Final.  Kane’s performance in both the regular season, and the playoffs might have resurrected his career.

66. Joe Pavelski: Dallas Stars, Center (#80 Regular Season)

70 Pure Cup Points, 61 Regular Season, 9 Playoff

Regular Season: 82 Games, 0.74 Cup Points per Game, 27 Goals, 54 Assists, 81 Points, +11, 69 Blocked Shots, 104 Hits, 35 Takeaways, 44 Giveaways, 8.5 Point Shares

Playoffs: 7 Games, 3 Goals, 3 Assists, 6 Points, +2, 10 Blocked Shots, 14 Hits, 3 Takeaways, 9 Giveaways. 

Now a 16-year veteran, Pavelski broke 80 Points for the first time in his career, and is now 76 Points away from 1,000.  He also made his fourth All-Star Game this year, and while he is unlikely to make the Hockey Hall of Fame, he is one of a rare breed of hockey players whose second half appears to be better than his first.

66. (Tie) Anze Kopitar: Los Angeles Kings, Center (#58 Regular Season)

70 Pure Cup Points, 70 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 81 Games, 0.86 Cup Points per Game, 19 Goals, 48 Assists, 67 Points, -6, 71 Blocked Shots, 72 Hits, 48 Takeaways, 30 Giveaways, 5.7 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 7 Games, 1 Goal, 3 Assists, 4 Points, -6, 12 Blocked Shots, 14 Hits, 3 Takeaways, 4 Giveaways.

Kopitar is in the latter half of his career, but is still a productive two-way player who will likely receive some votes for the Selke.  He is a former Lady Byng and two-time Selke winner and has two Stanley Cup Rings.

68. John Gibson: Anaheim Ducks, Goalie: (#62 Regular Game)

Regular Season: 56 Games, 1.23 Cup Points per Game, 18 Wins, 26 Losses, 11 Ties/Overtime Losses, .904 Save Percentage, 3.19 Goals Against Average, 9.2 Goalie Point Shares

No Playoff Games

The woes of the Ducks were not due to Gibson, who had another decent season, and was an All-Star for the third time.  Saying that, Gibson had better seasons in the past, and for the first time over his career, his GAA was over three, though he did not have the most competent defensive corps in front of him.

68. (Tie) Jonathan Quick: Los Angeles Kings, Goalie: (#81 Regular Season)

69 Pure Cup Points, 60 Regular Season, 9 Playoff

Regular Season: 46 Games, 1.30 Cup Points per Game, 23 Wins, 13 Losses, 9 Ties/Overtime Losses, .910 Save Percentage, 2.59 Goals Against Average, 7.4 Goalie Point Shares

Playoffs: 7 Games, 3 Wins, 4 Losses, .904 Save Percentage, 3.43 Goals Against Average.

Quick turned back the clock with his best season over the past four years, and was more effective as the season went on, leading the Kings back to the playoffs.

68. (Tie) Robert Thomas: St. Louis Blues, Center (#67 Regular Season)

69 Pure Cup Points, 67 Regular, 2 Playoff

Regular Season: 72 Games, 0.93 Cup Points per Game, 20 Goals, 57 Assists, 77 Points, +17, 25 Blocked Shots, 13 Hits, 60 Takeaways, 50 Giveaways, 7.3 Point Shares.

Playoffs: 12 Games, 2 Goals, 4 Assists, 6 Points, -6, 9 Blocked Shots, 14 Hits, 11 Takeaways, 8 Giveaways

A Stanley Cup Champion as a rookie in 2019, Thomas broke out this year by nearly doubling his previous Points output (42).  Thomas is not likely to win the Lady Byng, but we expect that this will be the first season that he will receive votes for it.

68. (Tie) Jordan Kyrou: St. Louis Blues, Center (#72 Regular Season)

69 Pure Cup Points, 63 Regular Season, 6 Playoff

Regular Season: 74 Games, 0.85 Cup Points per Game, 27 Goals, 48 Assists, 75 Points, +10, 23 Blocked Shots, 6 Hits, 36 Takeaways, 32 Giveaways, 7.8 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 12 Games, 7 Goals, 2 Assists, 9 Points, -4, 2 Blocked Shots, 7 Hits, 15 Takeaways, 4 Giveaways

Kyrou became a top scoring option for the Blues this year, and should be for years to come.  He is one of the cleanest players in hockey.

72. Brock Nelson: New York Islanders, Center (#63 Regular Season)

68 Pure Cup Points, 68 Regular Season, 0 Playoffs

Regular Season: 72 Games, 0.95 Cup Points per Game, 37 Goals, 22 Assists, 59 Points, -5, 43 Blocked Shots, 31 Hits, 49 Takeaways, 43 Giveaways, 7.4 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

59 Points might not seem like a lot, but it was enough to make Nelson the highest scorer for the Islanders.  The nine-year veteran exceeded 50 Points for the third time in his career.

73. (Tie) Vince Trocheck: Carolina Hurricanes, Center (#93 Regular Season)

67 Pure Cup Points, 55 Regular Season, 12 Playoffs

Regular Season: 81 Games, 0.68 Cup Points per Game, 21 Goals, 30 Assists, 51 Points, +21, 46 Blocked Shots, 85 Hits, 50 Takeaways, 42 Giveaways, 5.3 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 81 Games, 6 Goals, 4 Assists, 10 Points, +7, 9 Blocked Shots, 33 Hits, 12 Takeaways, 16 Giveaways

This is the first 50-Point year of Trocheck’s career since the 2017/18 campaign.  After a good playoff, Trocheck signed with the New York Rangers.

73. (Tie) Valeri Nichuskin: Colorado Avalanche, Right Wing (#107 Regular Season)

67 Pure Cup Points, 51 Regular Season, 16 Playoffs

Regular Season: 62 Games, 0.82 Cup Points per Game, 25 Goals, 27 Assists, 52 Points, +21, 27 Blocked Shots, 89 Hits, 38 Takeaways, 24 Giveaways, 5.9 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 20 Games, 9 Goals, 6 Assists, 15 Points, +6, 7 Blocked Shots, 51 Hits, 17 Takeaways, 5 Giveaways

Nichuskin broke the 50 Point threshold for the first time, and had a solid layoff helping Colorado win the Stanley Cup.

73. (Tie) Cam Talbot: Minnesota Wild, Goalie: (#65 Regular Season)

67 Pure Cup Points, 67 Regular Season, 0 Playoffs.

Regular Season: 49 Games, 1.39 Cup Points per Game, 32 Wins, 12 Losses, 4 Ties/Overtime Losses, .911 Save Percentage, 2.76 Goals Against Average, 8.8 Goalie Point Shares

Playoffs: 1 Game, 0 Wins, 1 Loss, .846 Save Percentage, 4.15 Goals Against Average

The Wild have two Goalies on the top 100, though Marc-Andre Fleury spent most of the season with Chicago.  Talbot was solid, but he entered the playoffs as the back-up to Fleury, after missing a lot of games due to injury.

73. (Tie) Elias Pettersson: Vancouver Canucks, Center (#65 Regular Season)

67 Pure Cup Points, 67 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 80 Games, 0.84 Cup Points per Game, 32 Goals, 36 Assists, 68 Points, +1, 43 Blocked Shots, 49 Hits, 56 Takeaways, 39 Giveaways, 7.4 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

Pettersson is three years removed from his Calder Trophy where he had a 66-Point year.  This season, Pettersson increased that to 68, with his first 30-plus Goal year.

77. (Tie) David Perron: St. Louis Blues, Right Wing (#112 Regular Season)

66 Pure Cup Points, 50 Regular Season, 16 Playoff

Regular Season: 67 Games, 0.85 Cup Points per Game, 27 Goals, 30 Assists, 57 Points, +8, 11 Blocked Shots, 80 Hits, 37 Takeaways, 18 Giveaways, 8.1 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 12 Games, 9 Goals, 4 Assists, 13 Points, +10, 5 Blocked Shots, 16 Hits, 10 Takeaways, 5 Giveaways 

Perron won the Stanley Cup a few seasons ago, and though the Blues’ 2022 Playoff run was not a long one, Perron was phenomenal in the attempt to gain another ring.  He should eclipse 700 Points this upcoming year.

77. (Tie) Ondrej Palat: Tampa Bay Lighynong, Left Wing (#112 Regular Season)

66 Pure Cup Points, 42 Regular Season, 24 Playoff

Regular Season: 77 Games, 0.55 Cup Points per Game, 18 Goals, 31 Assists, 49 Points, +15, 42 Blocked Shots, 124 Hits, 30 Takeaways, 25 Giveaways, 4.8 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 23 Games, 11 Goals, 10 Assists, 21 Points, +10, 19 Blocked Shots, 64 Hits, 19 Takeaways, 18 Giveaways 

Nobody climbed higher to make the top 100 in Pure Cup Points than Palat, who was sixth overall in Playoff Cup Points, and second among his teammates on the loaded Lightning team.  Palat joined New Jersey in the off-season, ending his 11-year run with the Lightning.

78. (Tie) Patrick Kane: Chicago Blackhawks, Right Wing (#67 Regular Season)

65 Pure Cup Points, 65 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 78 Games, 0.86 Cup Points per Game, 26 Goals, 66 Assists, 92 Points, -19, 26 Blocked Shots, 11 Hits, 42 Takeaways, 49 Giveaways, 8.1 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

Chicago seems so far removed from the days when they were Stanley Cup contenders, but Kane is still a good player, whose 92 Points are the third most of his career.  That is not as promising as it looks, as scoring is way up across the NHL, but he is was still seventh in Assists, though he is not the Goal scorer he once was.

78. (Tie) Dylan Larkin: Detroit Red Wings, Right Wing (#67 Regular Season)

65 Pure Cup Points, 65 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 71 Games, 0.94 Cup Points per Game, 31 Goals, 38 Assists, 69 Points, -18, 28 Blocked Shots, 76 Hits, 38 Takeaways, 42 Giveaways, 6.8 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

Finally, the Detroit Red Wings get on the board with Larkin, who became their Captain last year.  Larkin was one Point shy of 70, which would have been second 70-Point year, but he did make his second All-Star Game, his first since 2016.

81. (Tie) Teuvo Teravainen: Carolina Hurricanes, Right Wing (#101 Regular Season)

64 Pure Cup Points, 53 Regular Season, 11 Playoff

Regular Season: 77 Games, 0.69 Cup Points per Game, 22 Goals, 43 Assists, 65 Points, +22, 30 Blocked Shots, 15 Hits, 34 Takeaways, 52 Giveaways, 6.9 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 14 Games, 4 Goals, 7 Assists, 11 Points, +4, 6 Blocked Shots, 6 Hits, 10 Takeaways, 15 Giveaways

Teuvovainen has scored over 60 Points in four of his last five seasons, and he should be able to accrue more in the future.

81. (Tie) Claude Giroux: Philadelphia Flyers & Florida Panthers, Center (#98 Regular Season)

64 Pure Cup Points, 54 Regular Season, 10 Playoff

Regular Season: 75 Games, 0.72 Cup Points per Game, 21 Goals, 44 Assists, 65 Points, -5, 16 Blocked Shots, 48 Hits, 21 Takeaways, 26 Giveaways, 5.8 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 10 Games, 3 Goals, 5 Assists, 8 Points, +2, 2 Blocked Shots, 13 Hits, 7 Takeaways, 2 Giveaways

We finally have our first player who played for two teams, as Giroux, who appeared in an even 1,000 Games for Philadelphia was traded to the contending Panthers.  Giroux enters next season playing for Ottawa.

83. (Tie) Clayton Keller: Arizona Coyotes, Center (#72 Regular Season)

63 Pure Cup Points, 63 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 72 Games, 0.88 Cup Points per Game, 20 Goals, 57 Assists, 77 Points, +17, 25 Blocked Shots, 13 Hits, 60 Takeaways, 50 Giveaways, 7.3 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

The trainwreck that is the Arizona Coyotes finally have an entrant in Keller, who was Arizona’s All-Star Game representative, the second time he was so.  Keller had 63 Points, two less than his previous best in his rookie year.

72. (Tie) Jeff Skinner: Buffalo Sabres, Left Wing & Center (#72 Regular Season)

63 Pure Cup Points, 63 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 80 Games, 0.79 Cup Points per Game, 33 Goals, 30 Assists, 63 Points, -14, 20 Blocked Shots, 29 Hits, 51 Takeaways, 52 Giveaways, 6.8 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

The Calder winner of 11 years ago had 63 Points when he won that trophy.  This is the fourth time he finished the season with this tally, a number that remains his career-high.

83. (Tie) Tyler Seguin: Dallas Stars, Center (#81 Regular Season)

63 Pure Cup Points, 60 Regular Season, 3 Playoff

Regular Season: 81 Games, 0.73 Cup Points per Game, 24 Goals, 25 Assists, 49 Points, -21, 33 Blocked Shots, 96 Hits, 26 Takeaways, 48 Giveaways, 4.1 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 7 Games, 2 Goals, 2 Assists, 4 Points, Even, 2 Blocked Shots, 11 Hits, 1 Takeaway, 3 Giveaways

Accumulating a Cup Point here and there, Seguin was steady and healthy all year, and another minor surprise that he finished so high considering he is a Forward with under 50 Points.  This is part of the reason we love and are befuddled by this process (even though we created it).

83. (Tie) Kris Letang: Pittsburgh Penguins, Defense (#72 Regular Season)

63 Pure Cup Points, 63 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 78 Games, 0.81 Cup Points per Game, 10 Goals, 58 Assists, 68 Points, +20, 122 Blocked Shots, 171 Hits, 59 Takeaways, 79 Giveaways, 10.6 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 7 Games, 1 Goal, 3 Assists, -3, 121 Blocked Shots, 15 Hits, 6 Takeaways, 18 Giveaways

A two-time Stanley Cup Champion, Letang had another season where he should receive Norris votes.  He never won one, but is a two-time Second Team All-Star.

83. (Tie) James Reimer: San Jose Sharks, Goalie: (#72 Regular Season)

63 Pure Cup Points, 63 Regular Season, 0 Playoffs.

Regular Season: 48 Games, 1.31 Cup Points per Game, 19 Wins, 17 Losses, 10 Ties/Overtime Losses, .912 Save Percentage, 2.90 Goals Against Average, 8.6 Goalie Point Shares

No Playoff Games

Reimer is in his second run in San Jose, and though he could not help them make the playoffs, he had a good year.  Saying that, we expect that Reimer will not be a long-term solution in net for the Sharks.

84. (Tie) Blake Wheeler: Winnipeg Jets, Right Wing (#72 Regular Season)

63 Pure Cup Point Points, 63 Regular Season, 0 Playoffs

Regular Season: 65 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 17 Goals, 43 Assists, 60 Points, -15, 37 Blocked Shots, 62 Hits, 32 Takeaways, 36 Giveaways, 4.7 Point Shares. 

It is a bit of a surprise to see Wheeler here, and we have our first player with Point Shares below five.  We never said this was a scientific process!

90. (Tie) Patrik Laine: Columbus Blue Jackets, Right Wing (#78 Regular Season)

62 Pure Cup Points, 62 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 56 Games, 1.11 Cup Points per Game, 26 Goals, 30 Assists, 56 Points, -7, 13 Blocked Shots, 27 Hits, 52 Takeaways, 49 Giveaways, 5.8 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

Laine and the Blue Jackets did not make the playoffs, but they have a good young player in Laine who for the first time in his career average at least a Point per Game.

90. Alex Nedeljkovic: Detroit Red Wings, Goalie: (#78 Regular Season)

62 Pure Cup Points, 62 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 59 Games, 1.05 Cup Points per Game, 20 Wins, 24 Losses, 9 Ties/Overtime Losses, .901 Save Percentage, 3.31 Goals Against Average, 8.7 Goalie Point Shares

No Playoff Games

The Red Wings were not a playoff team in 2022/22, but Nedeljkovic had a fine year (even though he scored on his own net in a game this season) in what was his first year as a lead Goalie.  He needs to take it to another level, and if he doesn’t, his stay in Detroit will be temporary.

90. (Tie) Trevor Moore: Los Angeles Kings, Left Wing (#98 Regular Season)

62 Pure Cup Points, 54 Regular Season, 8 Playoff

Regular Season: 81 Games, 0.66 Cup Points per Game, 17 Goals, 31 Assists, 48 Points, +20, 32 Blocked Shots, 69 Hits, 30 Takeaways, 17 Giveaways, 5.2 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 7 Games, 2 Goals, 3 Assists, 5 Points, Even, 10 Blocked Shots, 22 Hits, 2 Takeaways, 3 Giveaways

At age 26, Moore had not accomplished much in the NHL, but he was a very productive player this season, especially considering his ice time was under 16 Minutes.

93. (Tie) Anton Forsberg: Ottawa Senators, Goalie: (#81 Regular Season)

60 Pure Cup Points, 60 Regular Season, 0 Playofff

Regular Season: 46 Games, 1.30 Cup Points per Game, 22 Wins, 17 Losses, 4 Ties/Overtime Losses, .917 Save Percentage, 2.82 Goals Against Average, 9.4 Goalie Point Shares

No Playoff Games.

Forsberg seems like a strange player to be in the top 100, as the Senators failed to make the playoffs, and were not that good.  He arguably came out of nowhere, as he was never a first-string player until now (at age 29), but he had a good second half for Ottawa, who did improve as the season went on. 

93. (Tie) Nicolaj Ehlers: Winnipeg Jets, Left Wing (#81 Regular Season)

60 Pure Cup Points, 60 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 62 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 28 Goals, 27 Assists, 55 Points, +18, 27 Blocked Shots, 32 Hits, 41 Takeaways, 44 Giveaways, 6.7 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

The game of Hockey continues to grow, and here we have our first player from Denmark.  Ehlers cracked 55 Points for the fourth time this year, and is on a six-year streak of 20 Goal Seasons.

95. Mats Zuccarello: Minnesota Wild, Left Wing (#85 Regular Season)

59 Pure Cup Points, 59 Regular Season, 0 Playoff.

Regular Season: 70 Games, 0.84 Cup Points per Game, 24 Goals, 55 Assists, 79 Points, +21, 33 Blocked Shots, 36 Hits, 48 Takeaways, 43 Giveaways, 7.9 Point Shares. 

Playoffs:  6 Games, 1 Goals, 3 Assists, 4 Points, -1, 3 Blocked Shots, 4 Hits, 1 Takeaway, 1 Giveaway.

Zuccarello’s Cup Points were impacted slightly by playing with higher-level players, but Norway’s greatest hockey player set a personal best 79 Points in his 12^th NHL year.

95. (Tie) Ville Husso: St. Louis Blues, Goalie: (#93 Regular Season)

59 Pure Cup Points, 55 Regular Season, 4 Playoffs

Regular Season: 40 Games, 1.38 Cup Points per Game, 25 Wins, 7 Losses, 6 Ties/Overtime Losses, .917 Save Percentage, 2.56 Goals Against Average, 8.3 Goalie Point Shares

Playoffs: 7 Games, 2 Wins, 5 Losses, .890 Save Percentage, 3.67 Goals Against Average

Husso had a good sophomore year in the NHL, and his 25-7-6 regardless of his offensive support is incredible.  The Finnish Goalie looks to be the Blues Goalie going forward.

97. (Tie) Aaron Ekblad: Florida Panthers, Defense (#86 Regular Season)

59 Pure Cup Points, 59 Regular Season, 0 Playoffs.

Regular Season: 61 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 15 Goals, 42 Assists, 57 Points, +38, 69 Blocked Shots, 62 Hits, 43 Takeaways, 73 Giveaways, 9.6 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 10 Games, 1 Goal, 4 Assists, 5 Points, -2, 9 Blocked Shots, 17 Hits, 9 Takeaways, 6 Giveaways

Yes, the Defense thing and this ranking.   We will look at this deeper next year, we promise!  Ekblad had a great year, where the 2015 Calder winner posted career-highs in Assists, Points and Plus/Minus and was a huge part of Florida’s success in the regular season, though his post season was not as good.

97. (Tie) Jack Hughes: New Jersey Devils, Center (#87 Regular Season)

58 Pure Cup Points, 58 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 49 Games, 1.20 Cup Points per Game, 26 Goals, 30 Assists, 56 Points, -16, 15 Blocked Shots, 6 Hits, 49 Takeaways, 60 Giveaways, 5.8 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

The Devils have their first entry in Hughes, the American Center, and though he was not New Jersey’s leading scorer, Hughes tied with Jesper Bratt for the team lead in Goals.  As Hughes is well under 25, this is a star on the rise, who should be a multiple All-Star.  Considering he has a PPG well over one this year, how could he not be?

98. (Tie) Trevor Zegras: Anaheim Ducks, Center (#88 Regular Season)

57 Pure Cup Points, 57 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 75 Games, 0.76 Cup Points per Game, 23 Goals, 38 Assists, 61 Points, -21, 27 Blocked Shots, 56 Hits, 40 Takeaways, 71 Giveaways, 5.4 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

Zegras had a phenomenal sophomore season, where the American Center from BU proved his worth as a bona fide NHL player.  With his youth, Zegras should be able to ascend to an upper-echelon performer.

98. (Tie) Joel Eriksson-Ek: Minnesota Wild, Center (#121 Regular Season)

57 Pure Cup Points, 48 Regular Season, 9 Playoffs

Regular Season: 77 Games, 0.70 Cup Points per Game, 26 Goals, 23 Assists, 49 Points, +16, 44 Blocked Shots, 138 Hits, 39 Takeaways, 12 Giveaways, 4.8 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 6 Games, 3 Goals, 2 Assists, 5 Points, +1, 2 Blocked Shots, 16 Hits, 3 Takeaways, 2 Giveaways,

Eriksson-Ek had his second straight year with a top ten finish for the Selke Award, and while the Wild disappointed in the playoffs, Eriksson-Ek was stellar, propelling him into the top 100 in Pure Cup Points.

98. (Tie) Tomas Hertl: San Jose Sharks, Center (#88 Regular Season)

57 Pure Cup Points, 57 Regular Season, 0 Playoffs

Regular Season: 82 Games, 0.70 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 34 Assists, 64 Points, -9, 57 Blocked Shots, 105 Hits, 65 Takeaways, 31 Giveaways, 6.6 Point Shares. 

No Playoff Games

Playing all of his nine seasons with the Sharks, Hertl had his second 60-Point year in the NHL.

98. (Tie) Tom Wilson: Washington Capitals, Right Wing (#88 Regular Season)

57 Pure Cup Points, 57 Regular Season, 0 Playoff

Regular Season: 78 Games, 0.73 Cup Points per Game, 24 Goals, 28 Assists, 52 Points, +13, 55 Blocked Shots, 240 Hits, 36 Takeaways, 44 Giveaways, 5.5 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 1 Game, 1 Goal, 0 Assists, 1 Point, Even, 0 Blocked Shots, 1 Hit, 0 Takeaways, 0 Giveaways

Wilson is currently one of the most controversial players in Hockey, and of the nine NHL seasons, he has had over 200 Hits, which includes this one.  The Capital also broke the 50-Point threshold for the first time this year.

98. (Tie) Evgeni Kuznetsov: Washington Capitals, Center (#101 Regular Season)

57 Pure Cup Points, 53 Regular Season, 4 Playoff

Regular Season: 79 Games, 0.73 Cup Points per Game, 24 Goals, 54 Assists, 78 Points, +7, 25 Blocked Shots, 42 Hits, 54 Takeaways, 51 Giveaways, 7.6 Point Shares. 

Playoffs: 6 Games, 2 Goals, 3 Assists, 5 Points, -3, 2 Blocked Shots, 2 Hits, 2 Takeaways, 2 Giveaways

Kuznetsov is only four Points away from 500 over his career, and he has had four 70-Point seasons to date.

Those who were in the Top 100 after the Regular Season, but fell off after the playoffs were:

Matthew Barzal: New York Islanders, Center:  56 Pure Cup Points (#91 Regular Season)

Bo Horvat: Vancouver Canucks, Center: 56 Pure Cup Points (#91 Regular Season)

Nick Schmaltz: Arizona Coyotes, Center (#93 Regular Season)

Josh Norris: Ottawa Senators, Center (#93 Regular Season)

Mark Scheifele: Winnipeg Jets, Center (#93 Regular Season)

Linus Ullmark: Boston Bruins, Goalie (#98 Regular Season)

Phew!!!  That took a while!

Thank you for reading, and look for more content like this in the future.

Following the announcement of Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets winning the second of our Notinhalloffame.com Cup, we are pleased to announce that during the regular NHL season, we did the same thing.

Here are the rules.

With every single regular season game, we anointed the best five players in the game with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1.  A whopping, 810 players received at least one point, with 19 cracking at least 100.  

The top players for the NHL NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points.  It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points easier that elite players on loaded squads.  

Please remember, that this is NOT necessarily who we think were the best players this year, and does not reflect overall consistency.  Treat this the way did, as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.  

(Yes, we know this is verbatim what we wrote for the NBA CUP, but it is all accurate!)

So, NHL players!  Get your agents to work winning this into your contracts!

Here are the top 100 2021/22 rankings for the NBA NIHOF CUP:

1. Connor McDavid: Edmonton Oilers, Center:

148 Cup Points, 80 Games, 1.85 Cup Points per Game, 44 Goals, 79 Assists, 123 Points, +28, 26 Blocked Shots, 75 Hits, 73 Takeaways, 68 Giveaways, 13.8 Point Shares. 

In his seventh NHL Season, McDavid won his fourth Art Ross Trophy, and set career-highs in Goals, Assists, Points and Point Shares.  Beginning the season on a 17-Game Point streak, McDavid keeps getting better and he might be the best stickhandler in the game over the last five years.  The Oilers Center went to his fifth All-Star Game, was fifth in Point Shares and should be among the top five players in Hockey over the next five years.

2. Auston Matthews: Toronto Maple Leafs, Center:

148 Cup Points, 80 Games, 1.86 Cup Points per Game, 60 Goals, 46 Assists, 106 Points, +20, 62 Blocked Shots, 67 Hits, 92 Takeaways, 48 Giveaways, 13.7 Point Shares. 

Matthews might behind McDavid in both Cup Points and Points, but the 2016/17 Rookie of the Year is for our money the league MVP this season.  He led the league in Goals, Shots (348), and was slightly higher than McDavid in Cup Points per Game, which considering the greater depth of Toronto than Edmonton is very impressive.  Matthews set the Leafs record for Goals per Season, and he won his second Rocket Richard Award as the top Goal Scorer.  Notably, Matthews becomes the first skater in ten years since Steven Stamkos to crack 60 Goals.  The American Center still has incredible upside.

3. Kirill Kaprizov: Minnesota Wild, Left Wing:

126 Cup Points, 81 Games, 1.56 Cup Points per Game, 47 Goals, 61 Assists, 108 Points, +27, 29 Blocked Shots, 73 Hits, 57 Takeaways, 72 Giveaways, 12.6 Point Shares. 

Last year’s Calder Trophy winner, is actually now 25, and with his past experience in Russia, is far more seasoned beyond what his NHL tenure suggests.  One of the top Wings in the NHL, Kaprizov went to his first All-Star Game this year, and was fifth in Goals and Points, and he is now the single-season Wild record holder in Goals, Assists and Points.  There is no doubt who is now the top star in Minnesota.

4. Leon Draisaitl: Edmonton Oilers, Center:

123 Cup Points, 80 Games, 1.54 Cup Points per Game, 55 Goals, 55 Assists, 110 Points, +17, 25 Blocked Shots, 53 Hits, 74 Takeaways, 88 Giveaways, 13.2 Point Shares. 

It did not take long for a team to have two players in our top 100, and going into this season, it would have been the Oilers that we would have pegged as the team.  Draisaitl won the Art Ross two years ago, was fourth this year, and was second in Goals this season, while leading the NHL in Game-Winning Goals with 11.  As phenomenal as it is to see two players from Edmonton crack the top five, it also should be mentioned that there will not be a third, showcasing the lack of depth of the Oilers.

5. Alex Ovechkin: Washington Capitals, Left Wing:

122 Cup Points, 77 Games, 1.58 Cup Points per Game, 50 Goals, 40 Assists, 90 Points, +8, 25 Blocked Shots, 156 Hits, 32 Takeaways, 50 Giveaways, 11.2 Point Shares. 

Ovechkin might look a lot older, but his play on the ice defies his exterior.  For the first time since 2009/10, Ovie had at least 90 Points, and he had his ninth 50-Goal year, tying Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky, and becoming the oldest player ever to hit that mark.  After all this time, Ovechkin is still the best player for the Capitals, and the now eight-time All-Star is now 124 Goals behind Wayne Gretzky for the all-time lead.  We wouldn’t bet against him.

6. Igor Shesterkin: New York Rangers, Goalie:

118 Cup Points, 53 Games, 2.23 Cup Points per Game, 36 Wins, 29 Losses, 7 Ties/Overtime Losses, .935 Save Percentage, 2.07 Goals Against Average, 13.4 Goalie Point Shares

The top six is populated half by Russians, and we have our first Goalie, Igor Shesterkin, who is only in his third year in the NHL.  Shesterkin led the NHL in Save Percentage, GAA, GA% (70), GSAA (44.9) and adjGAA (2.11).  It was a dominating performance by Shesterkin, and bluntly, Goalies have an easier time amassing Cup Points as shown by Shesterkin’s Cup Points per Game Average.   

7. Johnny Gaudreau: Calgary Flames, Left Wing:

117 Cup Points, 82 Games, 1.43 Cup Points per Game, 40 Goals, 75 Assists, 115 Points, +64, 9 Blocked Shots, 10 Hits, 50 Takeaways, 81 Giveaways, 14.6 Point Shares. 

This is the best season of Gaudreau’s life, as he not only posted highs in Goals, Assists and Points (all by wide margins), but he blew his previous Plus/Minus number away with a league-leading +64, 46 higher than his previous high.  Gaudreau was a previous Lady Byng Trophy winner and he could win another this year.

8. Jonathan Huberdeau: Florida Panthers, Left Wing:

113 Cup Points, 80 Games, 1.41 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 85 Assists, 115 Points, +35, 28 Blocked Shots, 99 Hits, 63 Takeaways, 85 Giveaways, 11.9 Point Shares. 

This season, Huberdeau destroyed the record for Left Wingers in Assists by 14, and he cracked the 100 Point plateau for the first time in his ten-year career.  This is also the first year that he led the NHL in any major category (Assists), and he set the Panthers single-season record for Points.  Huberdeau also tied for second in Points this year.

9. Juuse Saros: Nashville Predators, Goalie:

112 Cup Points, 67 Games, 1.67 Cup Points per Game, 38 Wins, 25 Losses, 3 Ties/Overtime Losses, .918 Save Percentage, 2.64 Goals Against Average, 13.8 Goalie Point Shares

Saros led the NHL this year in Point Shares while also logging the most minutes of any Goalie (3,931).  This is arguably Saros’ best year to date, and he is the highest Scandinavian player in regards to Cup Points.  An All-Star for the first time, Saros may not have finished in the top ten in GAA, but his Save Percentage was, and he was the workhorse of the year, not just for Nashville but for the entire league.

10. (Tie) Jacob Markstrom: Calgary Flames, Goalie:

106 Cup Points, 63 Games, 1.68 Cup Points per Game, 37 Wins, 15 Losses, 9 Ties/Overtime Losses, .922 Save Percentage, 2.22 Goals Against Average, 12.2 Goalie Point Shares

Our highest rated player from Sweden, the Flames join their provincial rival as the only team with at least two players in the top ten.  Markstrom is coming off his best season in his 12 North American campaigns, and he led the NHL in Shutouts (9), which is more than the eight he had over the rest of his career.  He finished in the top four in Save Percentage and GAA, and logged the fifth most minutes between the pipes (3,696).

10. (Tie) Matthew Tkachuk: Calgary Flames, Right Wing:

106 Cup Points, 82 Games, 1.30 Cup Points per Game, 42 Goals, 62 Assists, 104 Points, +57, 20 Blocked Shots, 93 Hits, 41 Takeaways, 91 Giveaways, 13.5 Point Shares. 

With the 10^th place tie, the Flames have three players in the top ten, and two on the same line with Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau.  The line (with another player you will see shortly) was the most explosive in hockey, and Tkachuk shattered his previous high of 77 Points with 104.  He was third in Plus/Minus this year, and for the first time, made the top ten in Goals and Points.

12. Steven Stamkos: Tampa Bay Lightning, Center: 

105 Cup Points, 81 Games, 1.30 Cup Points per Game, 42 Goals, 64 Assists, 106 Points, +24, 31 Blocked Shots, 93 Hits, 30 Takeaways, 24 Giveaways, 12.4 Point Shares. 

Stamkos never stops scoring, and though the two-time Rocket Richard winner is into his 30s, he is still one of Tampa’s most potent weapons.  A member of the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions, Stamkos finally had his first 100 Point year, and also tied for the league-lead in Game-Winning Goals (11).  Next year, Stamkos should eclipse 500 Goals and 1,000 Points.

13. (Tie) David Pastrnak: Boston Bruins, Right Wing

104 Cup Points, 72 Games, 1.41 Cup Points per Game, 40 Goals, 37 Assists, 77 Points, +13, 14 Blocked Shots, 63 Hits, 36 Takeaways, 77 Giveaways, 9.6 Point Shares. 

The Boston Bruins and Czech Republic get on the board with Pastrnak, whose stat line looks like he should be ten to twenty spots lower, but when the Bruins won this season, it was Pastrnak who was their top player.  Pastrnak is two years removed from winning the Rocket Richard Trophy and could win another in the future.

13. (Tie) Chris Kreider: New York Rangers, Left Wing

104 Cup Points, 81 Games, 1.28 Cup Points per Game, 52 Goals, 25 Assists, 77 Points, +19, 39 Blocked Shots, 141 Hits, 27 Takeaways, 45 Giveaways, 10.7 Point Shares. 

This might turn out to be Kreider’s career year, as for the first time in ten years, he cracked 50 Goals, and led the NHL in Power Play Goals (26) and Game-Winning Goals (11).  This year’s power play prowess set a franchise record for the Rangers, while also going to his second All-Star Game.  At the age of 30, this might the peak for Kreider.

15. Artemi Panarin: New York Rangers, Left Wing

102 Cup Points, 75 Games, 1.36 Cup Points per Game, 22 Goals, 74 Assists, 96 Points, +21, 14 Blocked Shots, 22 Hits, 56 Takeaways, 71 Giveaways, 9.8 Point Shares. 

Panarin is in his seventh NHL season, and this year, he broke his single-season Point mark by one, and was fourth in Assists.  The former Calder Trophy winner was the Ranger’s highest scorer, and is also a fringe contender for this year’s Lady Byng.

16. (Tie) Filip Forsberg: Nashville Predators, Center

101 Cup Points, 69 Games, 1.48 Cup Points per Game, 42 Goals, 42 Assists, 84 Points, +12, 48 Blocked Shots, 112 Hits, 53 Takeaways, 56 Giveaways, 10.2 Point Shares. 

Forsberg overtook David Legwand as the all-time Predators leading scorer, doing so when he posted career-highs in Goals, Assists and Points.  The Swedish Center finished ninth in Goals and Even Strength Goals, with a fifth-place finish in Goals per Game.

16. (Tie) J.T. Miller: Vancouver Canucks, Center

101 Cup Points, 80 Games, 1.26 Cup Points per Game, 32 Goals, 67 Assists, 99 Points, +15, 56 Blocked Shots, 172 Hits, 55 Takeaways, 62 Giveaways, 10.6 Point Shares. 

Like the player below he is tied with, Miller is the highest ranked Cup Point player on a team that failed to make the playoffs.  This was the best year of Miller’s career, and he was easily the top skater for the Canucks, and he finished the campaign sixth in Assists and tenth in Points.  

16. (Tie) Kyle Connor: Winnipeg Jets, Left Wing

101 Cup Points, 79 Games, 1.28 Cup Points per Game, 47 Goals, 46 Assists, 93 Points, -3, 23 Blocked Shots, 32 Hits, 66 Takeaways, 47 Giveaways, 10.5 Point Shares. 

Tied with Miller above, both skaters were unable to will their teams to the playoffs, though Connor is the first to have a negative Plus/Minus.  Considering Winnipeg allowed more Goals than they scored, and were constantly outshot, Connor’s -3 does not penalize him by much.  Connor also went to his first All-Star Game this year, and finished the year second in Even Strength Goals (36), fifth in Goals and sixth in Game-Winning Goals (9).

19. Mikko Rantanen: Colorado Avalanche, Right Wing

100 Cup Points, 75 Games, 1.33 Cup Points per Game, 36 Goals, 56 Assists, 92 Points, +35, 43 Blocked Shots, 58 Hits, 48 Takeaways, 49 Giveaways, 10.5 Point Shares. 

From Finland, Rantanen exceeded 90 Points for the first time this season, and he led the NHL in Power Play Goals On-Ice For (54).  While Rantanen set career-high in the Scoring stat lines, this was his first season where his Shot Percentage dipped below 15.

20. (Tie) Roman Josi: Nashville Predators, Defense

99 Cup Points, 80 Games, 1.24 Cup Points per Game, 23 Goals, 73 Assists, 96 Points, +13, 133 Blocked Shots, 66 Hits, 48 Takeaways, 71 Giveaways, 13.9 Point Shares. 

NIHOF Cup Points are far easier for Forwards than Defenseman, and where Josi fell, tells us that for next year we have to tweak this for Blueliners.  Josi should be the highest ranked Defenseman, and the former Norris Trophy winner should win it again this year, though the advanced metrics show that while Josi’s offense has never been better, this was not close to his best pure defensive season.

20. (Tie) Alex DeBrincat: Chicago Blackhawks, Right Wing

99 Cup Points, 82 Games, 1.21 Cup Points per Game, 41 Goals, 37 Assists, 78 Points, -13, 35 Blocked Shots, 101 Hits, 67 Takeaways, 47 Giveaways, 8.4 Point Shares. 

While it isn’t really DeBrincat’s team, in terms of talent, we can argue that Chicago IS his team.  The native of Michigan went to his first All-Star Game this year, and he matched his 41 Goals from his 2018-19 sophomore season.  While he is already a very good player, DeBrincat could go to another level next season.

22. Mitch Marner: Toronto Maple Leafs, Right Wing

97 Cup Points, 72 Games, 1.25 Cup Points per Game, 35 Goals, 62 Assists, 97 Points, +23, 35 Blocked Shots, 101 Hits, 67 Takeaways, 47 Giveaways, 10.6 Point Shares. 

Marner was a First Team All-Star last year, and the six-year pro has proven himself as a secondary star on a loaded Toronto squad.  Marner set personal bests in Goals and Points, and was eighth this year in Assists per Game (0.86).

23. Roope Hintz: Dallas Stars, Left Wing

96 Cup Points, 80 Games, 1.25 Cup Points per Game, 37 Goals, 35 Assists, 72 Points, +15, 53 Blocked Shots, 82 Hits, 24 Takeaways, 49 Giveaways, 8.8 Point Shares. 

As good as Dallas were this year, there was no breakaway player, thus leading Hintz to have a rank this high.  The Finnish forward was on the Stars top line and was a clutch performer throughout the year.

24. Nathan MacKinnon: Colorado Avalanche, Center

94 Cup Points, 65 Games, 1.45 Cup Points per Game, 32 Goals, 56 Assists, 88 Points, +22, 39 Blocked Shots, 68 Hits, 37 Takeaways, 56 Giveaways, 9.6 Point Shares. 

MacKinnon had his fourth of five NHL years where he had at least 85 Points and the career-Avalanche player and two-time Second Team All-Star is poised to crack three digits in Points over the next three NHL seasons.  

25. Frederik Andersen: Carolina Hurricanes, Goalie:

93 Cup Points, 52 Games, 1.79 Cup Points per Game, 35 Wins, 14 Losses, 3 Ties/Overtime Losses, .922 Save Percentage, 2.17 Goals Against Average, 10.1 Goalie Point Shares

Andersen is in his first year in Carolina, with him earing his first All-Star Game appearance.  The balanced Hurricanes team has a netminder this year that could potentially take his squad to another level.

26. (Tie) Andrei Svechnikov: Carolina Hurricanes, Right Wing:

92 Cup Points, 78 Games, 1.18 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 39 Assists, 69 Points, +19, 15 Blocked Shots, 189 Hits, 44 Takeaways, 72 Giveaways, 7.9 Point Shares. 

The Second Overall Pick from 2018, Svechnikov continues his gradual improvement, not only in Points, but also in Hits, finishing with 189.  Still, a streaky player, Svechnikov had man games for the talented Canes squad where he was their top performer, but at age 22, he still has room to grow to become a more rounded player.

26. (Tie) Aleksander Barkov: Florida Panthers, Center:

92 Cup Points, 67 Games, 1.37 Cup Points per Game, 39 Goals, 49 Assists, 88 Points, +36, 42 Blocked Shots, 50 Hits, 59 Takeaways, 51 Giveaways, 10.6 Point Shares. 

A special under-the-radar player due to playing on a low-profile team, Barkov is a former Lady Byng and Selke Winner, while finishing eighth in Goals per Game (0.58).  Jonathan Huberdeau took a few of Barkov’s Cup Points away, and playing 67 Games also cost him a potential top ten finish.

26. (Tie) Kevin Fiala: Minnesota Wild, Left Wing:

92 Cup Points, 82 Games, 1.12 Cup Points per Game, 33 Goals, 52 Assists, 85 Points, +23, 21 Blocked Shots, 52 Hits, 38 Takeaways, 54 Giveaways, 9.1 Point Shares. 

A special under-the-radar player due to playing on a low-profile team, Barkov is a former Lady Byng and Selke Winner, while finishing eighth in Goals per Game (0.58).  Jonathan Huberdeau took a few of Barkov’s Cup Points away, and playing 67 Games also cost him a potential top ten finish.

26. (Tie) Timo Meier: San Jose Sharks, Right Wing:

92 Cup Points, 77 Games, 1.20 Cup Points per Game, 35 Goals, 41 Assists, 76 Points, -3, 61 Blocked Shots, 152 Hits, 49 Takeaways, 53 Giveaways, 8.5 Point Shares. 

The San Jose Sharks and the growing nation of Switzerland crack the board with Meier having his best year to date, and making his first All-Star Game.  Meier also made history this year as the first Shark to score five Goals in a Game.

26. (Tie) William Nylander: Toronto Maple Leafs, Center:

92 Cup Points, 81 Games, 1.14 Cup Points per Game, 34 Goals, 46 Assists, 80 Points, -9, 30 Blocked Shots, 19 Hits, 59 Takeaways, 33 Giveaways, 7.8 Point Shares. 

Nylander has never been known for his two-way play, but there are other players with the Maple Leafs who can accomplish that, freeing Nylander to focus on what he does best.  He set personal records in Goals, Assists, Points and is coming off the most usage of his career, though Nylander is in a system that benefits his style.

31. Vladimir Tarasenko: St. Louis Blues, Right Wing:

91 Cup Points, 75 Games, 1.21 Cup Points per Game, 34 Goals, 48 Assists, 82 Points, +7, 45 Blocked Shots, 83 Hits, 17 Takeaways, 31 Giveaways, 8.9 Point Shares. 

Tarasenko asked to be traded at the start of the season due to his frustration on how the club handled his shoulder issues, but he remained a Blue the whole year, and St. Louis’ top player, and his team’s highest in Cup Points.  The Russian Right Wing posted a career-high 82 Points.

32. Jason Robertson: Dallas Stars, Left Wing:

90 Cup Points, 74 Games, 1.22 Cup Points per Game, 41 Goals, 38 Assists, 79 Points, +16, 24 Blocked Shots, 50 Hits, 48 Takeaways, 50 Giveaways, 10.0 Point Shares. 

Last year’s runner up for the Calder to Kirill Kaprisov, Jason Robertson is the first Dallas Star on the list, and pardon the pun, one of the game’s fastest rising star.  Robertson became the first player in Dallas history to have hat tricks in back-to-back games, and he had a share of the league-lead in Game Winning Goals (11).

33. Ilya Sorokin: New York Islanders, Goalie:

89 Cup Points, 52 Games, 1.71 Cup Points per Game, 26 Wins, 18 Losses, 8 Ties/Overtime Losses, .925 Save Percentage, 2.40 Goals Against Average, 12.0 Goalie Point Shares

A five-time KHL All-Star and now an NHL sophomore, Sorokin had a really good year, albeit on a team that treaded water.  The Islander with the most Cup Points, Sorokin was second in Save Percentage, fourth in GAA, and eighth in Goalie Point Shares.  If New York had better horses in front of Sorokin, he is capable of taking the Isles in a deep playoff run.

34. (Tie) Sebastian Aho: Carolina Hurricanes, Center & Left Wing:

88 Cup Points, 79 Games, 1.11 Cup Points per Game, 37 Goals, 44 Assists, 81 Points, +18, 23 Blocked Shots, 76 Hits, 68 Takeaways, 56 Giveaways, 9.4 Point Shares. 

In Aho’s sixth season, Aho posted his second 80-Point plus year, but had his best power play year with 28 Points on the advantage, his current high.  Aho went to his second All-Star Game this year, and also had a career-best nine Game-Winning Goals. 

34. (Tie) Brady Tkachuk: Ottawa Senators, Left Wing:

88 Cup Points, 79 Games, 1.11 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 37 Assists, 67 Points, -7, 25 Blocked Shots, 270 Hits, 41 Takeaways, 68 Giveaways, 7.1 Point Shares. 

This is the perfect example of how you can accumulate Cup Points on a bad team, when you are one of the few scorers, as Brady Tkachuk’s 67 Points do not seem like he should be this high, but when Ottawa did score, chances were that Tkachuk would be around it.  The fact that he amassed 270 Hits this year, also helped him.  This is his best season to date of his four-year career, Tkachuk was Ottawa’s highest Cup Point getter.

36. (Tie) Sidney Crosby: Pittsburgh Penguins, Center:

87 Cup Points, 69 Games, 1.26 Cup Points per Game, 31 Goals, 53 Assists, 84 Points, +19, 37 Blocked Shots, 50 Hits, 34 Takeaways, 54 Giveaways, 9.3 Point Shares. 

Doesn’t this rank seem strange?  Sidney Crosby missed the first few games of the season, and he started off slow when he did get on the ice, resulting him (and rightfully so) not making the All-Star Game, but his second half was really good, and it felt like every week in the last two months, he climbed more this more than anyone else.  The Hart Trophy days of Crosby is behind him, but he is still a great player.  Notably, he joined the 500 Goal and 1,400 Point clubs this year, and again led his club in Points, though was tied with Jake Guentzel who had more Goals (40).

36. (Tie) Pavel Buchnevich: St. Louis Blues, Left Wing:

87 Cup Points, 73 Games, 1.19 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 46 Assists, 76 Points, +29, 15 Blocked Shots, 57 Hits, 46 Takeaways, 41 Giveaways, 8.6 Point Shares. 

A New York Ranger for the first five seasons of his career, Pavel Buchnevich had his best year to date, setting career-highs in Goals, Assists and Points, and averaged over a Point per Game for the first time in his career.

36. (Tie) Victor Hedman: Tampa Bay Lightning, Defense:

87 Cup Points, 82 Games, 1.06 Cup Points per Game, 20 Goals, 65 Assists, 85 Points, +26, 129 Blocked Shots, 94 Hits, 52 Takeaways, 56 Giveaways, 13.5 Point Shares. 

Hey, we said we have to do some tweaks going forward into next year in regards to blueliners!  Victor Hedman is on a five-year streak of being chosen for the post-season All-Star Teams, and he will get his sixth this year.  The former Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe winner, scored the most Points of his career in 2021/22, and amassed more Win Shares than he did in his Norris-winning year.

39. Andrei Vasilevskiy: Tampa Bay Lightning, Goalie:

86 Cup Points, 63 Games, 1.71 Cup Points per Game, 39 Wins, 18 Losses, 5 Ties/Overtime Losses, .916 Save Percentage, 2.49 Goals Against Average, 12.0 Goalie Point Shares

The backstop for the last two Stanley Cup Championship Teams, Vasilevskiy led the NHL in Wins for the fifth consecutive year.  The 2019 Vezina winner went to his fourth All-Star Game, was ninth in GAA and seventh in Goalie Point Shares.  Vasilevskiy won’t win the Vezina this year, but is still an upper-echelon NHL Goalie.

40. (Tie) Brad Marchand: Boston Bruins, Left Wing:

85 Cup Points, 70 Games, 1.21 Cup Points per Game, 32 Goals, 48 Assists, 80 Points, +16, 20 Blocked Shots, 78 Hits, 40 Takeaways, 62 Giveaways, 9.2 Point Shares. 

Marchand was named a post-season All-Star four of the last five years with the Left Wing making the 80-Point mark for the fifth time.  This is his 13^th year in the NHL.

40. (Tie) Thatcher Demko: Vancouver Canucks, Goalie:

85 Cup Points, 64 Games, 1.33 Cup Points per Game, 33 Wins, 22 Losses, 7 Ties/Overtime Losses, .915 Save Percentage, 2.72 Goals Against Average, 12.3 Goalie Point Shares

Demko accumulated more Cup Points than any other Canuck and he went to his first All-Star Game as Vancouver’s undisputed starting Goalie.  He was ninth in Wins and fourth in Goalie Point Shares, and Demko gave us reason to think he can still improve.

42. Mika Zibanejad: New York Rangers, Center:

84 Cup Points, 81 Games, 1.04 Cup Points per Game, 29 Goals, 52 Assists, 81 Points, +30, 47 Blocked Shots, 67 Hits, 62 Takeaways, 58 Giveaways, 9.2 Point Shares. 

The now 11-year veteran cracked 80 Points for the first time, though his PPG was lower than last seasons COVID-shortened year.  Zibanejad was tenth in Power Play Goals with 15.

43. Cale Makar: Colorado Avalanche, Defense

83 Cup Points, 77 Games, 0.89 Cup Points per Game, 28 Goals, 58 Assists, 86 Points, +48, 110 Blocked Shots, 95 Hits, 49 Takeaways, 40 Giveaways, 15.2 Point Shares. 

Makar is one of the many stars of the Avs, and often when he had a great game, his teammates who played forward did too.  A lot more work to help Defenseman in Cup Points will be looked at for next year as we know this is way too low for a Norris contender.  Again, the team he played on had a lot to do with it, and there is an element of luck, but there is no metric we could ever come up that has Makar as the 43^st best at anything…yet, here we are.

44. Adrian Kempe: Los Angeles Kings, Left Wing

82 Cup Points, 78 Games, 1.05 Cup Points per Game, 35 Goals, 19 Assists, 54 Points, -2, 28 Blocked Shots, 111 Hits, 34 Takeaways, 63 Giveaways, 6.5 Point Shares. 

Going into this year’s playoffs, the argument could be made that the Kings were the weakest post-season participant.  Nevertheless, Los Angeles made it, and Kempe was a large part of that with clutch performances that defy his stat line.

45. Nazem Kadri: Colorado Avalanche, Center

81 Cup Points, 71 Games, 1.14 Cup Points per Game, 28 Goals, 59 Assists, 87 Points, +13, 19 Blocked Shots, 52 Hits, 36 Takeaways, 34 Giveaways, 8.8 Point Shares. 

In his 13^th NHL year, Kadri had his best NHL year, a skyrocket above from what he ever accomplished and based on his age (31), it is unlikely he will exceed this.  Regardless of whether he does or doesn’t, Kadri now can say that he was an NHL All-Star, and that is one damned sweet place to be in.

46. (Tie) Marc-Andre Fleury: Chicago Blackhawks & Minnesota Wild, Goalie:

80 Cup Points, 56 Games, 1.43 Cup Points per Game, 28 Wins, 23 Losses, 5 Ties/Overtime Losses, .908 Save Percentage, 2.90 Goals Against Average, 9.7 Goalie Point Shares

Fleury is the first player on this list to appear for two teams this year, and the veteran Goalie and three-time Stanley Cup Champion is enjoying a renaissance of sorts with the Wild after his trade from Chicago.  A title by Minnesota led by Fleury would be massive for his Hall of Fame chances.  Despite being in his late 30s, Fleury was eighth in Minutes logged by a Goalie.

46. (Tie) Jake Guentzel: Pittsburgh Penguins, Center

80 Cup Points, 76 Games, 1.05 Cup Points per Game, 40 Goals, 44 Assists, 84 Points, +13, 38 Blocked Shots, 72 Hits, 41 Takeaways, 23 Giveaways, 9.7 Point Shares. 

Guentzel had a 40-Goal season three years ago, and with the technicality of Goal differential would lead Pittsburgh in scoring this year.  The Center finished the year fifth in Even Strength Goals with 33.  

46. (Tie) Tristan Jarry: Pittsburgh Penguins, Goalie:

80 Cup Points, 58 Games, 1.38 Cup Points per Game, 34 Wins, 18 Losses, 6 Ties/Overtime Losses, .919 Save Percentage, 2.42 Goals Against Average, 11.5 Goalie Point Shares

Jarry has been the prime netminder for Pittsburgh for the last two years, and he was chosen for his second All-Star Game this year.  Jarry was sixth in both GAA and Save Percentage, and ninth in Goalie Point Shares.

49. Connor Hellebucyk: Winnipeg Jets, Goalie:

79 Cup Points, 66 Games, 1.20 Cup Points per Game, 29 Wins, 27 Losses, 10 Ties/Overtime Losses, .910 Save Percentage, 2.97 Goals Against Average, 12.5 Goalie Point Shares

The Winnipeg Jets may have finished the year with a winning record, but it felt like every game they were outshot, and considering that Hellebucyk led the NHL in Shots Against and Saves (both for the fourth straight year) says so much about his value to this team, even if they didn’t make the playoffs.  Hellebucyk was also second in Minutes Played. 

50. (Tie) Elvis Merzikins: Columbus Blue Jackets, Goalie:

77 Cup Points, 59 Games, 1.35 Cup Points per Game, 27 Wins, 23 Losses, 7 Ties/Overtime Losses, .907 Save Percentage, 3.22 Goals Against Average, 10.6 Goalie Point Shares

Columbus and the nation of Latvia have their first entrant with Merzlikins, who had to take on the lion’s share of his team’s competency.  Merzlikins finished fourth in Saves and tenth in Goalie Point Shares this year.

50. (Tie) Ryan Hartman: Minnesota Wild, Right Wing

77 Cup Points, 82 Games, 0.94 Cup Points per Game, 34 Goals, 31 Assists, 65 Points, +31, 38 Blocked Shots, 72 Hits, 41 Takeaways, 23 Giveaways, 7.5 Point Shares. 

Hartman earns the distinction (is it?) of being the first on the list with a sub-one Cup Points per Game average, but someone had to be!  Hartman is an eight-year veteran and his 65 Points this year is more than twice than his previous best, but it is also the first time he averaged more than 16 Minutes of ice time per game.  Is Hartman’s year a fluke, or is he elevated by those around him?

52. Elias Lindholm: Calgary Flames, Center

75 Cup Points, 82 Games, 0.92 Cup Points per Game, 42 Goals, 40 Assists, 82 Points, +61, 52 Blocked Shots, 66 Hits, 55 Takeaways, 41 Giveaways, 11.3 Point Shares. 

The Cup Points of Lindholm was eaten by his linemates, but along with Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, Lindholm was one-third of the most productive trio of the NHL’s 2021-22 Regular Season.  This has to be the case, as Lindholm’s +61 was second overall, and his linemates rounded out the top three.  Hey, someone has to receive the lower portion of Cup Points when one line is electric!  Lindholm was also ninth in Goals and tied for sixth in Game-Winning Goals (9) this year.

53. (Tie) Tage Thompson: Buffalo Sabres, Center

74 Cup Points, 78 Games, 0.95 Cup Points per Game, 38 Goals, 30 Assists, 68 Points, -17, 25 Blocked Shots, 66 Hits, 49 Takeaways, 42 Giveaways, 7.7 Point Shares. 

You could argue that if the NHL had a Most Improved Player Award that Thompson could have won it.  Thompson exploded in his new role as a top player with stats that dwarfed anything he did before, and the future will tell us if he is just the beneficiary of more ice time or the real deal.

53. (Tie) Darcy Kuemper: Colorado Avalanche, Goalie:

74 Cup Points, 57 Games, 1.30 Cup Points per Game, 37 Wins, 12 Losses, 4 Ties/Overtime Losses, .921 Save Percentage, 2.54 Goals Against Average, 12.1 Goalie Point Shares

This is Kuemper’s first year with the Avalanche, and it has yielded his best year to date.  Kuemper was fourth in Wins and fifth in Save Percentage.  He was also sixth in Goalie Point Shares.

53. (Tie) Jonathan Marchessault: Vegas Golden Knights, Center

74 Cup Points, 76 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 36 Assists, 66 Points, +3, 17 Blocked Shots, 61 Hits, 38 Takeaways, 46 Giveaways, 7.2 Point Shares. 

The Golden Knights shot out of a cannon since they came into existence, and although they missed this year’s post-season, it was a surprise to us that it took this long until a Vegas player made this list.  Marchessault is a good player, but the fact that he was first amongst his teammates, might show why the Knights were not a playoff team, as he just isn’t that player.

56. Matt Duchene: Nashville Predators, Center

73 Cup Points, 78 Games, 0.94 Cup Points per Game, 43 Goals, 43 Assists, 86 Points, +6, 28 Blocked Shots, 31 Hits, 31 Takeaways, 77 Giveaways, 9.9 Point Shares. 

Matt Duchene had his greatest statistical year in 2021/22, posting his first 40-Goal and 80-Point year in the National Hockey League.  Duchene was eighth in Goals and third in Power Play Goals (16), and it will be fascinating to see if the Forward can maintain this level next year.

57. Troy Terry: Anaheim Ducks, Center & Right Wing

72 Cup Points, 75 Games, 0.96 Cup Points per Game, 37 Goals, 30 Assists, 67 Points, -11, 27 Blocked Shots, 6 Hits, 35 Takeaways, 4 Giveaways, 7.6 Point Shares. 

Troy Terry is an All-Star for the first time this year, but his lack of physical game shows him as more of a finesse player, though he obliterated his traditional stats from last year (67 Points from 20). Terry will likely have more potent years in the future, but he needs a team around him to do what he cannot.  Notably, Terry has the most Cup Points this year of any Duck.

58. (Tie) Gabriel Landeskog: Colorado Avalanche, Left Wing

70 Cup Points, 51 Games, 1.37 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 29 Assists, 59 Points, +27, 34 Blocked Shots, 94 Hits, 17 Takeaways, 29 Giveaways, 7.5 Point Shares. 

Landeskog posted his best PPG this year and he showcased a deep Colorado team.  He missed a few games due to injury and concluded the year seventh in Goals per Game and was eighth in Shooting Percentage.

58. (Tie) Anze Kopitar: Los Angeles Kings, Center

70 Cup Points, 81 Games, 0.86 Cup Points per Game, 19 Goals, 48 Assists, 67 Points, -6, 71 Blocked Shots, 72 Hits, 48 Takeaways, 30 Giveaways, 5.7 Point Shares. 

Kopitar is in the latter half of his career, but is still a productive two-way player who will likely receive some votes for the Selke.  He is a former Lady Byng and two-time Selke winner and has two Stanley Cup Rings.

58. (Tie) Nikita Kucherov: Tampa Bay Lightning, Right Wing

70 Cup Points, 47 Games, 1.49 Cup Points per Game, 25 Goals, 44 Assists, 69 Points, +1, 7 Blocked Shots, 32 Hits, 24 Takeaways, 37 Giveaways, 7.4 Point Shares. 

Injuries held Kucherov to 47 Games, limiting not only his Cup Points but preventing him from likely winning a fifth consecutive post-season All-Star.  A member of the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions, Kucherov won the 2019 Hart Trophy and Art Ross was second in Points Per Game this year (1.47).

58. (Tie) Jack Campbell: Toronto Maple Leafs, Goalie:

70 Cup Points, 49 Games, 1.43 Cup Points per Game, 31 Wins, 9 Losses, 6 Ties/Overtime Losses, .914 Save Percentage, 2.64 Goals Against Average, 8.8 Goalie Point Shares

Campbell struggled a bit in the second half of the season, but this is the best year to date for the American-born Goalie who was an All-Star for the first time at the age of 30.  He finished the season sixth in GAA and ninth in Save Percentage.

62. John Gibson: Anaheim Ducks, Goalie:

69 Cup Points, 56 Games, 1.23 Cup Points per Game, 18 Wins, 26 Losses, 11 Ties/Overtime Losses, .904 Save Percentage, 3.19 Goals Against Average, 9.2 Goalie Point Shares

The woes of the Ducks were not due to Gibson, who had another decent season, and was an All-Star for the third time.  Saying that, Gibson had better seasons in the past, and for the first time over his career, his GAA was over three, though he did not have the most competent defensive corps in front of him.

63. (Tie) Patrice Bergeron: Boston Bruins, Center

68 Cup Points, 73 Games, 0.93 Cup Points per Game, 25 Goals, 40 Assists, 65 Points, +26, 45 Blocked Shots, 78 Hits, 37 Takeaways, 14 Giveaways, 7.5 Point Shares. 

Bergeron has already accomplished so much as a Stanley Cup Champion, four-time Selke winner and last year’s Mark Messier Leadership Award winner, but he has a lot left as shown by doing this year what he has always done for the last fifteen.

63. (Tie) Brock Nelson: New York Islanders, Center

68 Cup Points, 72 Games, 0.95 Cup Points per Game, 37 Goals, 22 Assists, 59 Points, -5, 43 Blocked Shots, 31 Hits, 49 Takeaways, 43 Giveaways, 7.4 Point Shares. 

59 Points might not seem like a lot, but it was enough to make Nelson the highest scorer for the Islanders.  The nine-year veteran exceeded 50 Points for the third time in his career.

65. (Tie) Cam Talbot: Minnesota Wild, Goalie:

67 Cup Points, 49 Games, 1.39 Cup Points per Game, 32 Wins, 12 Losses, 4 Ties/Overtime Losses, .911 Save Percentage, 2.76 Goals Against Average, 8.8 Goalie Point Shares

The Wild have two Goalies on the top 100, though Marc-Andre Fleury spent most of the season with Chicago.  Talbot was solid, but enters the playoffs as the back-up to Fleury, after missing a lot of games due to injury.

65. (Tie) Elias Pettersson: Vancouver Canucks, Center

67 Cup Points, 80 Games, 0.84 Cup Points per Game, 32 Goals, 36 Assists, 68 Points, +1, 43 Blocked Shots, 49 Hits, 56 Takeaways, 39 Giveaways, 7.4 Point Shares. 

Pettersson is three years removed from his Calder Trophy where he had a 66-Point year.  This season, Pettersson increased that to 68, with his first 30-plus Goal year.

67. (Tie) Patrick Kane: Chicago Blackhawks, Right Wing

67 Cup Points, 78 Games, 0.86 Cup Points per Game, 26 Goals, 66 Assists, 92 Points, -19, 26 Blocked Shots, 11 Hits, 42 Takeaways, 49 Giveaways, 8.1 Point Shares. 

Chicago seems so far removed from the days when they were Stanley Cup contenders, but Kane is still a good player, whose 92 Points are the third most of his career.  That is not as promising as it looks, as scoring is way up across the NHL, but he is was still seventh in Assists, though he is not the Goal scorer he once was.

67. (Tie) Dylan Larkin: Chicago Blackhawks, Right Wing

67 Cup Points, 71 Games, 0.94 Cup Points per Game, 31 Goals, 38 Assists, 69 Points, -18, 28 Blocked Shots, 76 Hits, 38 Takeaways, 42 Giveaways, 6.8 Point Shares. 

Finally, the Detroit Red Wings get on the board with Larkin, who became their Captain last year.  Larkin was one Point shy of 70, which would have been second 70-Point year, but he did make his second All-Star Game, his first since 2016.

67. (Tie) Adam Fox: New York Rangers, Defense

67 Cup Points, 78 Games, 0.86 Cup Points per Game, 11 Goals, 63 Assists, 74 Points, +18, 128 Blocked Shots, 30 Hits, 78 Takeaways, 58 Giveaways, 11.8 Point Shares. 

Yes, we know this is another example where Forwards have it much easier in Cup Points, especially when you look at the Goal/Assist differential of Fox.  Last year’s Norris Trophy winner, was tenth in Assists and was an All-Star for the first time.

67. (Tie) Robert Thomas: St. Louis Blues, Center

67 Cup Points, 72 Games, 0.93 Cup Points per Game, 20 Goals, 57 Assists, 77 Points, +17, 25 Blocked Shots, 13 Hits, 60 Takeaways, 50 Giveaways, 7.3 Point Shares. 

A Stanley Cup Champion as a rookie in 2019, Thomas broke out this year by nearly doubling his previous Points output (42).  Thomas is not likely to win the Lady Byng, but we expect that this will be the first season that he will receive votes for it.

71. Sergei Bobrovsky: Florida Panthers, Goalie:

64 Cup Points, 54 Games, 1.19 Cup Points per Game, 39 Wins, 7 Losses, 3 Ties/Overtime Losses, .913 Save Percentage, 2.67 Goals Against Average, 9.4 Goalie Point Shares

Bobrovsky led the NHL in Wins, and while he was really good, many of them were the result of the potent lineup ahead of him.  He won two Vezina Trophies when he was a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and this year he was on the team that won the President’s Trophy as the squad that had the most Points in the Regular Season.

72. (Tie) Cleyton Keller: Arizona Coyotes, Center

63 Cup Points, 72 Games, 0.88 Cup Points per Game, 20 Goals, 57 Assists, 77 Points, +17, 25 Blocked Shots, 13 Hits, 60 Takeaways, 50 Giveaways, 7.3 Point Shares. 

The trainwreck that is the Arizona Coyotes finally have an entrant in Keller, who was Arizona’s All-Star Game representative, the second time he was so.  Keller had 63 Points, two less than his previous best in his rookie year.

72. (Tie) Jeff Skinner: Buffalo Sabres, Left Wing & Center

63 Cup Points, 80 Games, 0.79 Cup Points per Game, 33 Goals, 30 Assists, 63 Points, -14, 20 Blocked Shots, 29 Hits, 51 Takeaways, 52 Giveaways, 6.8 Point Shares. 

The Calder winner of 11 years ago had 63 Points when he won that trophy.  This is the fourth time he finished the season with this tally, a number that remains his career-high.

72. (Tie) Kris Letang: Pittsburgh Penguins, Defense

63 Cup Points, 78 Games, 0.81 Cup Points per Game, 10 Goals, 58 Assists, 68 Points, +20, 122 Blocked Shots, 171 Hits, 59 Takeaways, 79 Giveaways, 10.6 Point Shares. 

A two-time Stanley Cup Champion, Letang had another season where he should receive Norris votes.  He never won one, but is a two-time Second Team All-Star.

72. (Tie) Jordan Kyrou: St. Louis Blues, Center

63 Cup Points, 74 Games, 0.85 Cup Points per Game, 27 Goals, 48 Assists, 75 Points, +10, 23 Blocked Shots, 6 Hits, 36 Takeaways, 32 Giveaways, 7.8 Point Shares. 

Kyrou became a top scoring option for the Blues this year, and should be for years to come.  He is one of the cleanest players in hockey.

72. (Tie) Blake Wheeler: Winnipeg Jets, Right Wing

63 Cup Points, 65 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 17 Goals, 43 Assists, 60 Points, -15, 37 Blocked Shots, 62 Hits, 32 Takeaways, 36 Giveaways, 4.7 Point Shares. 

It is a bit of a surprise to see Wheeler here, and we have our first player with Point Shares below five.  We never said this was a scientific process!

78. (Tie) Patrik Laine: Columbus Blue Jackets, Right Wing

62 Cup Points, 56 Games, 1.11 Cup Points per Game, 26 Goals, 30 Assists, 56 Points, -7, 13 Blocked Shots, 27 Hits, 52 Takeaways, 49 Giveaways, 5.8 Point Shares. 

Laine and the Blue Jackets did not make the playoffs, but they have a good young player in Laine who for the first time in his career average at least a Point per Game.

78. Alex Nedeljkovic: Detroit Red Wings, Goalie:

62 Cup Points, 59 Games, 1.05 Cup Points per Game, 20 Wins, 24 Losses, 9 Ties/Overtime Losses, .901 Save Percentage, 3.31 Goals Against Average, 8.7 Goalie Point Shares

The Red Wings were not a playoff team in 2022/22, but Nedeljkovic had a fine year (even though he scored on his own net in a game this season) in what was his first year as a lead Goalie.  He needs to take it to another level, and if he doesn’t, his stay in Detroit will be temporary.

80. Joe Pavelski: Dallas Stars, Center

61 Cup Points, 82 Games, 0.74 Cup Points per Game, 27 Goals, 54 Assists, 81 Points, +11, 69 Blocked Shots, 104 Hits, 35 Takeaways, 44 Giveaways, 8.5 Point Shares. 

Now a 16-year veteran, Pavelski broke 80 Points for the first time in his career, and is now 76 Points away from 1,000.  He also made his fourth All-Star Game this year, and while he is unlikely to make the Hockey Hall of Fame, he is one of a rare breed of hockey players whose second half appears to be better than his first.

81. (Tie) Tyler Seguin: Dallas Stars, Center

60 Cup Points, 81 Games, 0.73 Cup Points per Game, 24 Goals, 25 Assists, 49 Points, -21, 33 Blocked Shots, 96 Hits, 26 Takeaways, 48 Giveaways, 4.1 Point Shares. 

Accumulating a Cup Point here and there, Seguin was steady and healthy all year, and another minor surprise that he finished so high considering he is a Forward with under 50 Points.  This is part of the reason we love and are befuddled by this process (even though we created it).

81. (Tie) Jonathan Quick: Los Angeles Kings, Goalie:

60 Cup Points, 46 Games, 1.30 Cup Points per Game, 23 Wins, 13 Losses, 9 Ties/Overtime Losses, .910 Save Percentage, 2.59 Goals Against Average, 7.4 Goalie Point Shares

Quick turned back the clock with his best season over the past four years, and was more effective as the season went on.

81. (Tie) Anton Forsberg: Ottawa Senators, Goalie:

60 Cup Points, 46 Games, 1.30 Cup Points per Game, 22 Wins, 17 Losses, 4 Ties/Overtime Losses, .917 Save Percentage, 2.82 Goals Against Average, 9.4 Goalie Point Shares

Forsberg seems like a strange player to be in the top 100, as the Senators failed to make the playoffs, and were not that good.  He arguably came out of nowhere, as he was never a first-string player until now (at age 29), but he had a good second half for Ottawa, who did improve as the season went on. 

81. (Tie) Nicolaj Ehlers: Winnipeg Jets, Left Wing

60 Cup Points, 62 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 28 Goals, 27 Assists, 55 Points, +18, 27 Blocked Shots, 32 Hits, 41 Takeaways, 44 Giveaways, 6.7 Point Shares. 

The game of Hockey continues to grow, and here we have our first player from Denmark.  Ehlers cracked 55 Points for the fourth time this year, and is on a six-year streak of 20 Goal Seasons.

85. Mats Zuccarello: Minnesota Wild, Left Wing

59 Cup Points, 70 Games, 0.84 Cup Points per Game, 24 Goals, 55 Assists, 79 Points, +21, 33 Blocked Shots, 36 Hits, 48 Takeaways, 43 Giveaways, 7.9 Point Shares. 

Zuccarello’s Cup Points were impacted slightly by playing with higher-level players, but Norway’s greatest hockey player set a personal best 79 Points in his 12^th NHL year.

86. (Tie) Aaron Ekblad: Florida Panthers, Defense

58 Cup Points, 61 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 15 Goals, 42 Assists, 57 Points, +38, 69 Blocked Shots, 62 Hits, 43 Takeaways, 73 Giveaways, 9.6 Point Shares. 

Yes, the Defense thing and this ranking.   We will look at this deeper next year, we promise!  Ekblad had a great year, where the 2015 Calder winner posted career-highs in Assists, Points and Plus/Minus and was a huge part of Florida’s success in the regular season.

86. (Tie) Jack Hughes: New Jersey Devils, Center

59 Cup Points, 49 Games, 1.20 Cup Points per Game, 26 Goals, 30 Assists, 56 Points, -16, 15 Blocked Shots, 6 Hits, 49 Takeaways, 60 Giveaways, 5.8 Point Shares. 

The Devils have their first entry in Hughes, the American Center, and though he was not New Jersey’s leading scorer, Hughes tied with Jesper Bratt for the team lead in Goals.  As Hughes is well under 25, this is a star on the rise, who should be a multiple All-Star.  Considering he has a PPG well over one this year, how could he not be?

88. (Tie) Trevor Zegras: Anaheim Ducks, Center

57 Cup Points, 75 Games, 0.76 Cup Points per Game, 23 Goals, 38 Assists, 61 Points, -21, 27 Blocked Shots, 56 Hits, 40 Takeaways, 71 Giveaways, 5.4 Point Shares. 

Zegras had a phenomenal sophomore season, where the American Center from BU proved his worth as a bona fide NHL player.  With his youth, Zegras should be able to ascend to a upper-echelon performer.

88. (Tie) Tomas Hertl: San Jose Sharks, Center

57 Cup Points, 82 Games, 0.70 Cup Points per Game, 30 Goals, 34 Assists, 64 Points, -9, 57 Blocked Shots, 105 Hits, 65 Takeaways, 31 Giveaways, 6.6 Point Shares. 

Playing all of his nine seasons with the Sharks, Hertl had his second 60-Point year in the NHL.

88. (Tie) Tom Wilson: Washington Capitals, Right Wing

57 Cup Points, 78 Games, 0.73 Cup Points per Game, 24 Goals, 28 Assists, 52 Points, +13, 55 Blocked Shots, 240 Hits, 36 Takeaways, 44 Giveaways, 5.5 Point Shares. 

Wilson is currently one of the most controversial players in Hockey, and of the nine NHL seasons, he has had over 200 Hits, which includes this one.  The Capital also broke the 50-Point threshold for the first time this year.

91. (Tie) Matthew Barzal: New York Islanders, Center

56 Cup Points, 73 Games, 0.77 Cup Points per Game, 15 Goals, 44 Assists, 59 Points, -15, 17 Blocked Shots, 36 Hits, 43 Takeaways, 82 Giveaways, 4.9 Point Shares. 

Barzal is in his sixth NHL Season, and he had two previous 60-Point years, of which he was one Point shy of it.  He was the Calder Trophy winner in 2018.

91. (Tie) Bo Horvat: Vancouver Canucks, Center

56 Cup Points, 70 Games, 0.77 Cup Points per Game, 31 Goals, 21 Assists, 52 Points, +3, 45 Blocked Shots, 96 Hits, 32 Takeaways, 25 Giveaways, 6.0 Point Shares. 

Horvat has played eight seasons with Vancouver (all of his years), and he broke 50 Points for the third time.

93. (Tie) Nick Schmaltz: Arizona Coyotes, Center

55 Cup Points, 63 Games, 0.87 Cup Points per Game, 23 Goals, 36 Assists, 59 Points, +1, 28 Blocked Shots, 15 Hits, 52 Takeaways, 42 Giveaways, 6.0 Point Shares. 

This is the highest PPG of Schmaltz’s career, and at age 25, he could potentially explode in traditional, advanced and Cup Points.

93. (Tie) Vince Trocheck: Carolina Hurricanes, Center

55 Cup Points, 81 Games, 0.68 Cup Points per Game, 21 Goals, 30 Assists, 51 Points, +21, 46 Blocked Shots, 85 Hits, 50 Takeaways, 42 Giveaways, 5.3 Point Shares. 

This is the first 50-Point year of Trochcek’s career since the 2017/18 campaign. 

93. (Tie) Josh Norris: Ottawa Senators, Center

55 Cup Points, 66 Games, 0.83 Cup Points per Game, 35 Goals, 20 Assists, 55 Points, -7, 44 Blocked Shots, 79 Hits, 24 Takeaways, 32 Giveaways, 6.8 Point Shares. 

With a name like Norris, you should expect something good in the NHL, and with Josh Norris you have exactly that.  Norris is in his third year, and is a player on the upswing.

93. (Tie) Ville Husso: St. Louis Blues, Goalie:

55 Cup Points, 40 Games, 1.38 Cup Points per Game, 25 Wins, 7 Losses, 6 Ties/Overtime Losses, .917 Save Percentage, 2.56 Goals Against Average, 8.3 Goalie Point Shares

Husso had a good sophomore year in the NHL, and his 25-7-6 regardess of his offensive support is incredible.  The Finnish Goalie looks to be the Blues Goalie going forward.

93. (Tie) Mark Scheifele: Winnipeg Jets, Center

55 Cup Points, 67 Games, 0.82 Cup Points per Game, 29 Goals, 41 Assists, 70 Points, -17, 47 Blocked Shots, 36 Hits, 49 Takeaways, 60 Giveaways, 6.5 Point Shares. 

A Jet for all of his eleven seasons, Scheifele had his third 70-plus Point year and continued his 20 Goal streak that he has had for seven seasons.

98. (Tie) Linus Ullmark: Boston Bruins, Goalie:

54 Cup Points, 41 Games, 1.32 Cup Points per Game, 26 Wins, 10 Losses, 4 Ties/Overtime Losses, .917 Save Percentage, 2.45 Goals Against Average, 7.3 Goalie Point Shares

The Tuukka Rask era is over in Boston, but is it now the Linus Ullmark or Jeremy Swayman era?  Based on the playoffs, it looks like Swayman, but Ullmark had the better regular season and finished seventh in GAA.

98. (Tie) Claude Giroux: Philadelphia Flyers & Florida Panthers, Center

54 Cup Points, 75 Games, 0.72 Cup Points per Game, 21 Goals, 44 Assists, 65 Points, -5, 16 Blocked Shots, 48 Hits, 21 Takeaways, 26 Giveaways, 5.8 Point Shares. 

We finally have our first player who played for two teams, as Giroux, who appeared in an even 1,000 Games for Philadelphia was traded to the contending Panthers.

98. (Tie) Trevor Moore: Los Angeles Kings, Left Wing

54 Cup Points, 81 Games, 0.66 Cup Points per Game, 17 Goals, 31 Assists, 48 Points, +20, 32 Blocked Shots, 69 Hits, 30 Takeaways, 17 Giveaways, 5.2 Point Shares. 

At age 26, Moore had not accomplished much in the NHL, but he was a very productive player this season, especially considering his ice time was under 16 Minutes.

Phew!!!  That took a while!

Thank you for reading, and look for more content like this in the future.

There was no doubt that the Edmonton Oilers would select Connor McDavid with their number one pick in 2015.  He was the consensus top prospect and was pegged as a future Hart Trophy winner.  Entering his fifth season, he has already done that.