2019 Hart Trophy Winner and Voting Results
In 2019, the Hart Memorial Trophy was awarded to Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning, recognizing him as the National Hockey League’s most valuable player for the 2018–19 season. Kucherov’s combination of scoring volume, two-way play, and leadership stood out in a competitive field that included Connor McDavid and Joel Embiid. Below, we break down the vote totals, the context of the season, and what the award reflects about on-ice impact.
| Player | Team | Position | 1st Place Votes | 2nd Place Votes | 3rd Place Votes | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikita Kucherov | Tampa Bay Lightning | Right Wing | 116 | 54 | 18 | 1,072 |
| Connor McDavid | Edmonton Oilers | Center | 28 | 60 | 52 | 792 |
| Joel Embiid | Philadelphia Flyers | Center | 1 | 14 | 42 | 327 |
Understanding the Hart Memorial Trophy
The Hart Trophy is one of the oldest individual awards in the NHL, first presented in 1924. It is distinct from season-end team awards and is decided by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. Voters consider a player’s impact on team success, statistical production, and consistency over an 82-game season. The award does not necessarily follow team performance or individual honors like the Art Ross, making it a specific measure of perceived value to one’s club.
How the Voting Works
Each voter ranks their top three players on a weighted ballot: three points for a first-place vote, two for second, and one for third. With no set formula beyond vote aggregation, the process emphasizes informed judgment about who contributed most to on-ice success. Media members cover the league regularly and submit confidential selections before the postseason begins. The structure encourages voters to look beyond short peaks and evaluate sustained excellence.
2018–19 Season Context
The 2018–19 season emphasized high-end offensive production and deeper parity across the league. Kucherov recorded career highs in goals and points while maintaining strong two-way responsibility, which likely distinguished him in the voting. McDavid continued to set pace records and led the Oilers deep in the playoffs, while Embiid carried a young Philadelphia squad despite injury concerns. The final vote spread reflects how evaluators weigh scoring dominance, reliability, and leadership when defining value.
Comparing Recent Hart Trophy Winners
Below is a snapshot of Hart Trophy winners from recent seasons to illustrate how the award has recognized different styles of impact.
| Season | Winner | Team | Position | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | Alexander Ovechkin | Washington Capitals | Left Wing | Goal-scoring dominance and clutch performances |
| 2018–19 | Nikita Kucherov | Tampa Bay Lightning | Right Wing | Balanced two-way play and consistent elite scoring |
| 2019–20 | Connor McDavid | Edmonton Oilers | Center | Unmatched pace and playmaking in a shortened season |
| 2020–21 | Connor McDavid | Edmonton Oilers | Center | Carried a young Oilers team in a volatile bubble season |
| 2021–22 | Nathan MacKinnon | Colorado Avalanche | Center | Two-way center role and elevated playoff impact |
| 2022–23 | Connor McDavid | Edmonton Oilers | Center | Record-setting point totals and deep postseason runs |
Legacy and Influence of the Hart Trophy
Over time, the Hart Trophy has become a benchmark for evaluating a season’s most impactful player. While it does not capture every dimension of value—such as advanced analytics or intangibles—it reflects the consensus of professional scribes who follow the game closely. Discussions around MVP races often include metrics like points above replacement, but the Hart remains rooted in traditional evaluation. Its history includes iconic names and pivotal moments that shaped how we understand individual excellence in hockey.
Key Takeaways on the 2019 Hart Race
- Nikita Kucherov won the 2019 Hart with a commanding points total, topping 1,000 for the first time in his career.
- The race featured three strong candidates, with Kucherov’s two-way game and leadership likely tipping the scales.
- Voting results show clear differentiation, with Kucherov securing more first-place votes and a wider margin than second-place McDavid.
- The Hart Trophy emphasizes perceived overall value to a team, not just scoring titles or individual statistics.
- Context such as team success, durability, and consistency across 82 games influences voter decisions.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who is eligible for the Hart Trophy?
Any player under NHL playing contract is eligible. There are no position or stat thresholds, only the standard requirement of appearing in at least 41 regular-season games.
How transparent is the voting process?
Voters submit ranked ballots that are counted and tallied by an independent accounting firm. Individual ballots are not made public, but the vote totals and methodology are disclosed after the winner is announced.
How does the Hart differ from the Art Ross Trophy?
The Art Ross is awarded to the player with the most points during the regular season. The Hart is a qualitative award for most valuable player, which can consider impact beyond point totals, such as two-way play and leadership.
Can a player win the Hart without leading the league in points?
Yes. The Hart focuses on perceived value rather than raw statistics, so players who contribute significantly in wins, defensive responsibility, or leadership can win even if they are not the top scorer.