New York Rangers’ Russian forward Artemi Panarin is at the top of the list of candidates for the Hart Trophy award, given to the most valuable player as voted by the National Hockey League Writers Association (NHL). This was reported by official website of the organization.
The Russian player is four points ahead of second-place Boston Bruins player David Pastrnak in the interim voting and seven points ahead of Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes. Another Russian Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov is among the top 5 main contenders for the cup.
Panarin appeared in 20 NHL games in total this season, recording 11 goals and 18 assists. He is Rangers’ top scorer.
Nikita Kucherov is the league leader in the goal+pass system. He has 15 goals and 22 assists. The second is American TJ Miller (13+22) from Vancouver. His teammate Hughes Quinton (8+25) completed the top three.
Previously Hasek statedCondemning not only Russian hockey players, but also the NHL.