The Hart Trophy is one of the most prestigious individual awards in the NHL, recognizing the player judged to be the most valuable to his team during the regular season. However, the history of the award is fraught with controversy and debate. Instances of perceived snubs and contentious decisions have sparked intense discussions among fans, players, and analysts.
In this article, we explore some of the most notable Hart Trophy controversies, shedding light on the circumstances and performances that have left lasting impressions in the hockey world.
10. Hart Snub: Jarome Iginla (2002)
In 2002, Jarome Iginla led the NHL in goals (52) and points (96) but lost the Hart Trophy to goaltender Jose Theodore in a controversial tie-breaker. Iginla’s dominant season was overshadowed by Theodore’s stellar performance for the Canadiens, sparking debates about the voting process and player evaluation criteria.
9. Hart Snub: Mario Lemieux (1989)
In 1988-89, Mario Lemieux had an extraordinary season, leading the league with 85 goals and 199 points. Despite outscoring Wayne Gretzky by 31 points, Lemieux lost the Hart Trophy to Gretzky in a controversial vote. Many argue this was one of the worst MVP snubs in NHL history, as Lemieux’s statistical dominance that year was undeniable.
8. Eric Lindros (1995)
Lindros won the Hart Trophy in the lockout-shortened 1995 season, sparking debate due to his limited 46-game performance. Despite impressive stats (29 goals, 41 assists), critics argued the award should have gone to players with fuller seasons. Lindros’s contentious relationship with the Quebec Nordiques before joining Philadelphia added to the controversy.
7. Henrik Sedin (2010)
Henrik Sedin’s 2010 Hart Trophy win sparked debate due to his low goal total (29) compared to other candidates. Critics argued that his league-leading 112 points were inflated by playing alongside his twin brother Daniel. However, supporters praised Henrik’s playmaking ability and impact on the Canucks’ success that season.
6. Joe Thornton (2006)
Joe Thornton’s 2006 Hart Trophy win sparked debate due to his mid-season trade from Boston to San Jose. Despite leading the league with 125 points, critics argued his split season diminished his MVP case. Thornton became the first player to win the award while playing for two teams in the same season.
5. Corey Perry (2011)
Corey Perry’s 2011 Hart Trophy win surprised many, as he edged out scoring champion Daniel Sedin. Perry’s late-season surge, including 19 goals in his final 16 games, propelled him to 50 goals and 98 points. His clutch performance for the Anaheim Ducks ultimately swayed voters, though debate persisted about whether he truly outperformed Sedin over the full season.
4. Mark Messier (1992)
Mark Messier’s 1990 Hart Trophy win sparked debate due to its narrow margin. He edged out Ray Bourque by just two votes, the closest in the award’s history. Critics argued Bourque’s defensive prowess and offensive contributions for Boston were more deserving than Messier’s leadership of the Rangers.
3. Wayne Gretzky (1989)
Despite Mario Lemieux’s incredible 199-point season, Wayne Gretzky won the Hart Trophy in 1989. Gretzky finished 31 points behind Lemieux in scoring, yet received more first-place votes. This controversial decision sparked debates about voting criteria and player popularity influencing awards.
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2. Chris Pronger (2000)
Chris Pronger’s 2000 Hart Trophy win sparked debate due to his narrow victory over Jaromír Jágr. Pronger, a defenseman, edged out the Art Ross winner by just one point, the smallest margin in award history at the time. His exceptional +52 rating and 62 points led the Blues to the Presidents’ Trophy, but some argued offensive prowess should have prevailed.
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1. Jose Theodore (2002)
Jose Theodore’s 2002 Hart Trophy win over Jarome Iginla remains one of the most controversial in NHL history. Despite Iginla leading the league in goals and points, Theodore won in a tiebreaker due to more first-place votes. Rumors persisted that a Quebec writer left Iginla off their ballot entirely, sparking debate about voting transparency and fairness.
