Fans claim that others were more “deserving” of the top NHLPA award, but Connor McDavid receives it. “What a joke.”

The debate surrounding Connor McDavid’s recent victory of the NHLPA (National Hockey League Players’ Association) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is stirring considerable controversy among fans, with many questioning the legitimacy of his win. Despite McDavid’s outstanding performance throughout the season, detractors argue that other players were more deserving of this prestigious accolade, leading to an emotional outpouring of frustration. The sentiment voiced by fans that “What a joke” encapsulates the confusion, frustration, and in some cases, disillusionment surrounding McDavid’s repeated triumphs. In this essay, we will delve into the reasons behind this sentiment, examining McDavid’s performance in the context of others, the criteria for the award, and the broader implications of his continued dominance in the NHL.

1. Understanding the NHLPA MVP Award

The NHLPA MVP Award, also known as the Ted Lindsay Award, is unique in that it is voted on exclusively by the players themselves. This distinction means that it is a recognition from those who know the intricacies of the game better than anyone, as they are the ones directly competing on the ice. The Ted Lindsay Award is considered one of the most prestigious individual awards in the NHL because of this peer-based voting process. The award is designed to honor the most outstanding player of the regular season, recognizing not just raw statistical accomplishments, but also the influence a player has on their team’s performance.

However, this peer-based voting is also where some of the controversy begins. Players often vote based on personal biases, team loyalties, and individual matchups throughout the season. The subjective nature of the voting can sometimes lead to debates over who truly deserves the honor. In this context, Connor McDavid’s multiple wins of the NHLPA MVP have become a focal point for a broader conversation about how success should be measured and who should be recognized for it.

2. The Case for Connor McDavid

Connor McDavid’s claim to the NHLPA MVP is grounded in his sheer talent and statistical dominance. Since entering the NHL in 2015, McDavid has been a force to be reckoned with, consistently performing at levels that few in the history of the game have matched. His combination of speed, skill, vision, and hockey IQ makes him one of the most dynamic players to ever play the game.

In the 2024 season, McDavid once again posted outstanding numbers. He led the league in points with 150 (more than any other player), recorded 60 goals, and maintained an average of 1.82 points per game, an exceptional feat in a league that’s brimming with talented athletes. McDavid’s ability to create plays and impact the game in every situation, from five-on-five to the power play, showcases his unparalleled influence on his team’s success. He is the focal point of the Edmonton Oilers’ offense, and his presence on the ice often dictates the pace and flow of the game.

Beyond statistics, McDavid’s individual brilliance lifts those around him. His leadership and ability to make players like Leon Draisaitl and others on his team better cannot be understated. While it’s often said that elite players elevate the play of their teammates, McDavid does this at an exceptional level. He doesn’t just score goals; he creates chances for others, plays a responsible two-way game, and continues to break records with seemingly little effort.

McDavid’s accomplishments throughout the regular season are clear, but they are also backed by a consistency that has made him the gold standard for the NHL. His five All-Star appearances, two Hart Memorial Trophies (awarded to the NHL MVP as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association), and his overall dominance in recent years are more than enough to warrant his recognition. So, from a purely performance-based perspective, his repeated wins of the NHLPA MVP are not surprising.

3. The Arguments Against McDavid’s Victory

Despite McDavid’s incredible statistics, the claim that other players were more “deserving” of the NHLPA MVP stems from a variety of factors. The primary argument is based on the perception that McDavid’s dominance has become so consistent that it is now expected, rather than celebrated. As a result, fans and analysts sometimes look for other players whose performances were either more surprising, or who have contributed more to the success of their teams.

For instance, players like Auston Matthews, David Pastrnak, and Cale Makar have had standout seasons in recent years, yet none of them have won the Ted Lindsay Award, despite some of them having more team success or showing exceptional individual performances that rival McDavid’s. Critics argue that McDavid’s wins are almost expected, creating an environment where others with exceptional seasons, but who lack the same recognition, get overlooked.

Take, for example, Auston Matthews, who finished the 2024 season with 107 points and led the league with 65 goals. Matthews’ scoring prowess was unmatched, and many argue that his performance played a pivotal role in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ deep playoff run. Similarly, David Pastrnak’s 60-goal season for the Boston Bruins earned him widespread praise for his offensive output. Both players were more than deserving of consideration for the MVP award, and in any other year, they might have had a legitimate claim. However, McDavid’s continued reign as the league’s best player overshadowed their efforts, and some fans argue that this is unfair to players like Matthews and Pastrnak.

Furthermore, team success is another key element in this debate. The Edmonton Oilers have been a perennial contender, but they have yet to win a Stanley Cup during McDavid’s tenure. Some argue that players on teams that are more successful in terms of overall records should be given more weight in the MVP voting. In contrast, players like Pastrnak, who played for the top-seeded Bruins, or Makar, who was crucial to the Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup success, seem to get less recognition despite their roles in leading successful teams.

4. The Role of Team Success in MVP Voting

One of the most contentious points in the debate surrounding McDavid’s MVP victories is the role that team success plays in the voting process. While individual awards are often about recognizing individual brilliance, MVP awards are still influenced by the success of the team. McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers have made playoff appearances in recent seasons, but they have yet to break through and win a championship. This lack of success often raises questions about how valuable McDavid’s individual contributions really are, especially in comparison to players who may not have the same individual dominance but lead their teams to higher levels of success.

Makar, for example, led the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup victory in 2022, and despite McDavid’s continued statistical excellence, some fans believe that Makar’s impact on his team should have warranted a stronger case for MVP consideration. The success of the Avalanche during that period, with Makar being a key contributor, made his efforts seem even more valuable, and many argued that Makar’s well-rounded play in all situations helped lift Colorado to the top of the standings.

The NHLPA MVP voters, who are fellow players, likely recognize these nuances and consider how individual performances contribute to the overall success of a team. This is where McDavid’s repeated victories sometimes seem to overshadow the accomplishments of those who may not have put up the same offensive numbers but have led their teams in ways that transcend statistical achievements.

5. The Narrative of McDavid’s Dominance: Expectations vs. Surprises

Another aspect of the controversy lies in the perception of McDavid’s dominance. When a player performs at an elite level year after year, the expectation is that they will continue to do so. This leads to an unfortunate narrative that McDavid’s accomplishments are not as remarkable because they have become expected. There is something inherently more exciting about a player who surprises the league with an exceptional season, such as Matthews scoring 60 goals or Makar’s dominant play on the blue line. These performances are viewed as a “breakout” or unexpected achievement, which generates a different type of excitement compared to McDavid’s consistent excellence.

In sports, there’s an inherent bias toward the unknown or the underdog, and this can sometimes overshadow the accomplishments of established stars like McDavid. In this context, the “What a joke” sentiment is less about McDavid’s actual performance and more about the fatigue that comes with his sustained dominance. Fans who want to see different players rise to the occasion or those who cheer for a rival team might view McDavid’s consistent victories as a sign that other players’ potential is being ignored.

6. The Larger Implications for the NHL

The ongoing debate surrounding McDavid’s MVP victories has larger implications for the NHL and the way individual awards are perceived. On the one hand, McDavid’s dominance showcases the incredible talent that can exist within a league. His repeated MVP victories bring attention to the skill level of players, making the NHL an exciting and compelling league to watch. However, it also raises questions about whether the voting process truly reflects the most valuable players in a given season, or whether it rewards the same stars year after year.

The NHLPA MVP Award is designed to honor the league’s top player, but it also highlights the need for a broader understanding of what it means to be truly “valuable.” Should it be about the player with the most eye-popping statistics? The one who carries his team on his back? The one who plays in the most significant games and has the highest impact on winning? These are questions that will continue to shape the conversation around the NHLPA MVP and the award’s legitimacy.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding Connor McDavid’s repeated victories of the NHLPA MVP Award is both complex and understandable. McDavid’s incredible talent and statistical dominance make him a worthy recipient of the award, but the criticisms of his victories underscore the inherent challenges in evaluating the most valuable player in a league filled with exceptional talent. Whether it is a matter of fatigue over his continued excellence or a belief that other players are more deserving, McDavid’s status as a perennial winner has sparked important conversations about the nature of individual recognition in professional sports. As the NHL continues to evolve and new stars emerge, it will be fascinating to see whether the conversation shifts and whether McDavid’s dominance continues to be enough to secure him the top award year after year.