Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88). Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Hart Trophy futures: Let's overreact after one week

By Griffin Carroll | Last updated 10/17/23

We're one week down on the ice, and that feels like a terrific time to overreact with some NHL futures talk. The Hart Trophy market in particular feels ripe for some value picking. Connor McDavid is currently the favorite at +110, but the Oilers star has scored just one goal and Edmonton is 0-2. Obviously, there are 80 games left, but wouldn't you rather pocket some alternative options? We've got you covered there.

Two Hart Trophy futures

For those unfamiliar, the Hart Trophy is awarded to the most valuable player in the NHL.

David Pastrnak (+2000 DraftKings)

Boston is 2-0, and if they want any chance at replicating their regular-season success from last year, the burden falls on David Pastrnak's shoulders.

Pastrnak was the Hart Trophy runner up last season thanks to his 61 goals and 113 points. Through two games, Pastrnak has scored three times, tacking on an assist.

It's nice to see he's picked up right where he left off, and he's creating plenty of offensive chances for Boston's top line. Without players like Patrice Bergeron in the fold, it's easier to put any of Boston's successes on Pastrnak this season. A 60+ goal season may be good enough to take home the honors this year, unless the next man jockeys to beat him out.

Auston Matthews (+800 DraftKings)

Auston Matthews had a casual start for the Toronto Maple Leafs, simply scoring a hat trick in each of his first two games. Needless to say, Matthews is the leading goal scorer through one week of the year with his six goals.

Follow Griffin Carroll at griffybets.substack.com for data, trends and targets for every NFL game, plus all the off-season news you can use.

Matthews won the Hart Trophy two seasons ago with 60 goals and 106 total points, and he did that despite missing nine games. If Matthews can stay on the ice, he could easily push for 65+ goals given his start to the year.

It certainly helps that he's surrounded by playmakers on Toronto's top line that should bolster his point output each game, and the Maple Leafs are considered to be one of the Eastern Conference's best teams. For a guy with six goals already, how do you not sprinkle on him winning the Hart Trophy again at +800?

Check out Yardbarker's betting hub for more previews, predictions, news and analysis.

More must-reads: