Jack Hughes an early season frontrunner for the Hart Trophy

With Jack Hughes off to a tremendous start this season, Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss how Hughes is the front-runner for the Hart Trophy. Hughes has exploded, notching 17 points in just the first six games. As last year’s reigning Hart Trophy winner, Connor McDavid, is injured, Hughes has a headstart.

Tyler Yaremchuk: Last night, we saw Jack Hughes absolutely go off once again. Hughes has battled off three straight games with three points, and I made a bold prediction at the start of the season that Hughes scored 60 goals this season. But Is he capable of winning the Hart Trophy? 

Matt Larkin: Well, hell, yes, he is because I predicted him to win the Hart Trophy about a month ago. He was my pick for the season, and I have to stand by that. I think it’s very possible, A, the Devils will be a top contender, and we saw last year he had 99 points as a 22-year-old so he’s just getting into his prime now. If you believe that you need to be the scoring champion to knock off Connor McDavid, then look at the head start that Hughes has now, 17 points in six games, and McDavid is hurt and out. So, realistically, we could see a scenario where McDavid doesn’t lead the NHL in scoring, and if that tiebreaker is out of the wind, then the odds of Hughes winning the Hart have gone up substantially. 

Tyler Yaremchuk: He’s been flat-out remarkable. Last year was something to see the jump forward he took, but it’s interesting to see his career development and the way his numbers have shot up; almost exactly similar way as Nathan MacKinnon despite it taking a bit for MacKinnon to hit 100 points due to a couple of things. But Jack Hughes seems to be a lock for 100 points.

You can watch the full episode here…