Hart Trophy finalists announced; Gaudreau, Huberdeau among those snubbed

Per Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, the three finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy are New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs sniper and back-to-back Rocket Richard Trophy winner Auston Matthews.

There were a number of worthy candidates who didn't make the cut, including the aforementioned Huberdeau, who set an NHL record for most assists by a left winger in a single season (85 assists). Players like Calgary's Johnny Gaudreau (115 points in 82 games) and Nashville's Roman Josi (96 points) could have also just as easily made the cut.

In terms of those who did make the cut, Shesterkin posted a ridiculous .935 SV% and a 2.07 GAA while carrying the Rangers on his back all season long. He was without a doubt the Rangers' MVP this season and it wasn't particularly close either.

What else can we say about Connor McDavid that hasn't already been said? The reigning Art Ross Trophy winner finished the season with an astonishing 123 points in 80 games, setting new career highs in goals (44), assists (79) and points. He continues to be the Oilers' MVP and has been the consensus best player in the NHL for some time now.

Auston Matthews has played less games than anyone in the top-10 in NHL scoring, save only his teammate Mitch Marner who played one less game. Still, in 73 games this season, Matthews set new career highs in goals (60), assists (46) and points (106), pacing for 119 points over a full 82-game season. Matthews finished 5 goals ahead of Leon Draisaitl in the Rocket Richard Trophy race, despite Draisaitl having played 7 more games.

While you could make a convincing argument for any of these three players to walk away with the Hart Trophy this summer, but thanks to his 60-goal season, something that hasn't been done in a decade, Matthews is believed to be the early favourite.

The Leafs have not had a player win the Hart Trophy since Ted Kennedy back in 1955.