NHL: Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn — NHL insider Frank Seravalli shared his perspective on Leon Draisaitl's claim on Hart Trophy (Source: Imagn)

NHL insider makes his thoughts crystal clear on Leon Draisaitl being a lock for Hart Trophy over $100,800,000 Avs star & other favorites

Modified Apr 04, 2025 05:04 GMT

NHL insider Frank Seravalli believes Leon Draisaitl is the clear favorite for the Hart Trophy this season. Draisaitl has scored 52 goals and 105 points in 70 games this season, reaching 50 goals and 50 assists in a campaign for the fourth time.

On Sportsnet 590 The FAN, Seravalli told Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert that Draisaitl might have locked up the award already.

"He might have sewn it up before then, to be honest," Seravalli said. "That takes nothing away from the seasons that Nathan MacKinnon, Nikita Kucherov, and Connor Hellebuyck have all had. They've all been incredibly impressive.

"But Draisaitl, the heavy lifting he's done for that Oilers team, putting himself in a spot where he's having a fourth season now of 50 goals and 50 assists...He's been next level. He's been so good from start to finish, at a time when, man, they've really been missing a lot.

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Leon Draisaitl scored a go-ahead goal in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Golden Knights and also blocked two shots. He has three goals and one assist in the last two games.

This season, the German has a plus-33 rating and 239 shots on goal. He’s close to reaching 110 points for the fourth time in his career. He has led the Oilers offense more than Connor McDavid this year. The Oilers are third in the Pacific Division with a 43-26-5 record.

Meanwhile, Nathan MacKinnon, who's signed on a $100.8 million contract, has 111 points in 76 games. He has 30 goals and 81 assists this season and remains the Avalanche’s top playmaker.

Tampa Bay forward Nikita Kucherov has also scored 111 points (33 goals, 78 points) with a rating of +22. Still, Seravalli believes Draisaitl has done more with less support.

Frank Seravalli hails Leon Draisaitl’s performance in McDavid and other's absence

Frank Seravalli said that Leon Draisaitl’s performance stands out despite some big names missing from the Oilers' lineup.

Speaking about the Oilers' injured players he mentioned Connor McDavid's potential return date.

"Speaking of some injury news, I do have some updates for you," Seravalli said. It seems like Connor McDavid will be back next Wednesday against St. Louis—not playing the rest of this trip. Trent Frederic is likely to play in the last game of this road trip, not the next one but the one after that, to make his Oilers debut.

"And then you've got Mattias Ekholm and Stuart Skinner still to come, as well as Evander Kane. Think about the five players I just named—that's a totally different Edmonton Oilers team. And I say that only to give you some indication of how well Draisaitl has played, no matter who's been in the lineup."

Seravalli praised Leon Draisaitl for carrying the Oilers during tough times as injuries kept key players like Connor McDavid and Stuart Skinner out.

About the author

Abhilasha is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda. Holding a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, her interest in writing hockey was piqued after watching an NHL skills video on YouTube. The 2023 Stanley Cup Finale series between the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers was among the most iconic games she has seen and it left an impact on her.

Her reporting strengths include covering news stories and following stars like McDavid, Matthews and Alex Ovechkin, among others.

Abhilasha is a huge fan of the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche because of their skilled forwards, while her favorite players include Wayne Gretzky, Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby and Connor Bedard. For her, John Tortorella is the greatest coach ever.

Abhilasha has over 3 years of experience writing content for different products and websites, along with handling social media content for various brands. She values using credible sources when writing and likes to identify fake and false narratives.

Abhilasha’s hobbies include spiritual reading, staying updated on the latest makeup trends, fitness and exploring new destinations through travel.

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