The Edmonton Oilers' forward Leon Draisaitl is the -160 betting favorite to secure the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player.
Despite this, Draisaitl is presently labeled as day-to-day due to an unspecified injury that has led him to sit out for three consecutive matches and an additional four towards the close of last month.
By Wednesday night, he tops the NHL charts with 52 goals and ranks third with 106 points (including 54 assists) in 71 matches played.
The 29-year-old German sensation boasts an impressive trophy case, including a previous Hart Trophy win in the 2019-20 season. He also claimed the Art Ross Trophy for being the top point-scorer in the league and received the Ted Lindsey Award, which recognizes the most outstanding player as selected by his peers during that campaign.
A piece of equipment he lacks in his collection is the Selke Trophy, which goes to the National Hockey League's best defensive forward.
Defending has consistently posed a challenge for the Oilers, even with players like Draisaitl and the league's undisputed top talent, Connor McDavid, on their roster.
These two offensive assets have not been granted sufficient recognition as reliable defensive elements that enhance their impact on the scoreboard.
"[At this stage], it might be even more crucial than any individual trophy," Draisaitl stated according to the source. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman Clearly, there has been a significant amount of discussion surrounding actions from our younger days that we're unable to justify now. The main reason for not emerging victorious is due to Connor and me failing to provide adequate defense.
I believe we have significantly altered that perspective across the league, particularly over the past few years. Both of us are indeed excellent defenders whenever we choose to be. It’s all about maintaining consistency and performing at that level each game. This year, I feel like I’ve largely achieved that.
Kris Knoblauch, the head coach, stated on Wednesday that he anticipates Draisaitl will be back in the lineup before the first round begins; the Oilers still have four matches remaining in the regular season.
They currently hold the third spot in the Pacific Division, setting them up to face the second-seeded Los Angeles Kings.
