As we near the end of the season, we’re going to take a look at who we think should be three finalists for the Hart, Norris and Calder Trophies, making arguments for each. We start with the Hart Trophy, given to the NHL’s Most Valuable Player. Tonight: Henrik Sedin.
Why he deserves it: No other player has made such a monstrous jump this season than Henrik Sedin, and it’s tough to find another team that needs a player more than the Canucks need him. Some worried that when brother Daniel went down due to injury that Henrik would struggle, but amazingly the complete opposite happened. Henrik became the lifeblood of the Canucks offense, taking the team and placing them on his back. This season he’s taken ‘playmaker’ to a new level in Vancouver, with nearly 30 more points than any other teammate not named Sedin. He has ten more asists (78) than the next highest in the NHL and despite having “just” 29 goals has the best shooting percentage of the top scorers in the league.
It’s not just offense, but what his presence means to this team. Without his playmaking ability there’s no question the Canucks would have struggled, especially when Daniel was hurt. The way that Henrik stepped up and elevated his game, not only improving himself and those around him are the exact reasons why one would deserve to be named the NHL’s Most Valuable Player.
Why he doesn’t deserve it: It’s tough to say exactly why Henrik Sedin doesn’t deserve the Hart, but one could point to his relatively low goal total. It’s a career high for a him, yet when compared with others who he might be compared against that’s one stat that will stand out. It’s a flimsy argument, however, for a player leading the NHL in assists and points.
Why he’ll get it: A player who makes those around him better, dishing out assist after assist while scoring 29 goals himself, five game winners, and never misses a game? Hard to describe an MVP much better than that.
Why he won’t get it: This is harsh, but the sad reality that Sedin plays for Vancouver way out on the West coast will work against him. There are some other players out on the East coast, on more prominent teams, who get more attention. Deserved or not.