"Nathan Mackinnon statpads on empty nets": NHL fans debate mid-season Hart Trophy winner between Leon Draisaitl and $100,800,000 Avs star

NHL fans are debating who should win the mid-season Hart Trophy between Leon Draisaitl and Nathan MacKinnon. MacKinnon, playing for the Colorado Avalanche, is signed to an 8-year, $100.8 million contract. His 2024-25 stats are 15 goals, 53 assists, and 68 points. His plus-minus is +15.

Draisaitl, of the Edmonton Oilers, has 31 goals, 32 assists, and 63 points. His plus-minus is +26, the best in the NHL.

Analysts Kevin Weekes and Adnan Virk shared their picks. Weekes chose Draisaitl, while Virk picked MacKinnon as the winner.

Following this, NHL Network asked fans:

"Who's your Hart Trophy winner right now?"

This sparked a lively conversation, prompting fans to share their opinions and make their pick.

"Empty net merchant MacKinnon." One fan called

"Nathan Mackinnon statpads on empty nets and only has 6 5v5 goals, Draisaitl has been a two-way force all year." Another fan said.

One fan defended MacKinnon's claim, saying,

"Nathan MacKinnon. The dogg has lead the league in scoring all season long by multiple points and is the reason Colorado isn't out of a playoff spot currently after starting 0-4."

Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"Leon Draisaitl for Hart, for Selke, for Rocket, for Lindsay. Not even close! Mackinnon has tons of empty net points and like 5 even strength goals." a fan shared.

"Right now it’s Leon. wtf I love Mack so much but you can’t deny this is Leon’s to win this year. Just an absolute MACHINE out there." another fan said.

"It’s Leon and it’s not close. He’s playing a complete game. All respect to Nate but Leon puts up these numbers at 5v5 without someone like Rantanen on his flank. Or all of those empty net points." one fan mentioned.

It will be interesting to see who wins the Hart trophy this season.

Leon Draisaitl and the Oilers defeated the Blackhawks 4-3

The Edmonton Oilers won 4-3 against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. Leon Draisaitl recorded two assists including a helper on the game-winning goal. Teuvo Teravainen gave the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead in the first period. Nick Foligno made it 2-0 later in the period.

Vasily Podkolzin scored early in the second to make it 2-1. Ryan Donato put the Blackhawks ahead 3-1, but Adam Henrique scored to make it 3-2. Corey Perry tied the game at 3-3 with a goal in the third period.

Leon Draisaitl then assisted Zach Hyman on a power-play goal at 7:18 of the third. Hyman’s goal gave the Oilers the lead. Calvin Pickard made 19 saves in the win. The Oilers have won five of their last six games.