Connor McDavid anchors the 2025–26 season as the benchmark for NHL excellence, with FanDuel listing him at +200 for Hart Trophy supremacy, a reflection of his sustained, all‑around dominance. The MVP race centers on whether any challenger can truly threaten his standard, given his speed, vision, and clutch play. A slate of contenders—Auston Matthews, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jack Eichel—enter the season with elite scoring chops and the potential to push McDavid in a high-stakes battle for the award, while Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov loom as credible late‑season accelerants. This mix shapes team planning, fantasy projections, and bettor expectations as the season unfurls.

Auston Matthews projects to keep Toronto on offensive tilt, with a 50‑goal pace within reach if the supporting cast clicks and health cooperates. Kaprizov brings relentless energy and playmaking to Minnesota, a healthy 80‑plus game run could push him into triple‑digit point territory and MVP contention. Eichel offers steady two‑way leadership with Vegas, where structure and playoff pedigree bolster his numbers. The ongoing narrative hinges on health, depth, and how defenses adapt to McDavid’s multifaceted impact, making the MVP race one of the season’s defining stories for fantasy managers and bettors alike.