NHL MVP Race Update for the 2025-26 Season
The race for the NHL MVP title for the 2025-26 season has taken an interesting turn as Nathan MacKinnon, once a dominant favorite, is seeing his odds slip. Initially favored at -450, MacKinnon’s odds have now settled at -170, indicating a tighter competition. Close behind him is Macklin Celebrini, whose odds currently stand at +215, suggesting he is emerging as a serious contender for the MVP award. With the Olympic break approaching, the competition for the MVP honors is expected to intensify significantly.
Current MVP Odds
As of February 4th, the odds for the MVP race include notable names such as Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov, and Leon Draisaitl, highlighting the depth of talent in this year’s competition.
Understanding Betting Odds
For those unfamiliar with betting odds, American odds reflect the amount one would need to wager to win a certain amount. For instance, a player with -400 odds, like Connor McDavid, means you would need to place a $400 bet to earn a $100 payout. Conversely, a player with +650 odds, such as Nathan MacKinnon at one point, indicates a potential profit of $650 on a $100 bet.
Historical Context of the Hart Trophy
In terms of historical reference, the Hart Trophy, awarded to the league’s MVP, has seen an array of players from different positions. The last goaltender to win the MVP was Carey Price in 2015, followed by Connor Hellebuyck‘s win the previous season. While centers have dominated the MVP scene in recent years—winning six of the past ten awards—the last defenseman to earn the Hart was Chris Pronger in the 1999-2000 season.
Centers’ Dominance in the MVP Race
The current landscape of hockey also reveals that centers have historically been more successful in clinching the MVP title, with notable winners like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews marking their positions in recent seasons.
Engaging with NHL Futures Markets
For those interested in betting, a variety of NHL futures markets are available, including bets on the Stanley Cup, Rocket Richard Trophy, Vezina Trophy, and Calder Trophy, providing ample opportunity for fans to engage with the sport beyond just following the games.
