Jamie Nye: Playoffs should be mandatory for Hart nominees

The Hart Trophy nominees came out and, yet again, we see Connor McDavid voted in to win the player most valuable to his team.

I’m always confused how a player can be in the running for that award when his team misses the playoffs — and especially two years in a row.

Sure, the Edmonton Oilers would be lost without him but what have they been with him? Rules should stipulate your team must be in the playoffs for you to win the Hart Trophy. And consider, McDavid had Leon Draisaitl with him scoring over 100 points and still no playoffs.

I can already hear you ask: Who else would you nominate?

Here are two players.

Nathan MacKinnon is among the elite players in the NHL but because Colorado has slid down among teams that garner headlines, people have clearly forgotten about how meaningful he is to the Avalanche. After Round 1, I don’t think there is any question.

And young goaltender Jordan Binnington should have been in the conversation as the most valuable to the St. Louis Blues’ climb in the standings. The Blues made one change to turn their season around and it was in net.

There is no denying McDavid’s unbelievable talent, but a rule should stipulate that only players on playoff teams can win the Hart Trophy.