{allcanada} Is Senators' Erik Karlsson worthy of the Hart Trophy?

 

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Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson is a brilliant player, possessing lightning speed and exceptional offensive instincts. He has finished first in points among defensemen in three of the past four seasons, and is a lock (59 points) to do it again this year.

But is this season enough to get him some Hart Trophy consideration? USA TODAY Sports NHL columnist Kevin Allen and NHL editor Jimmy Hascup debate.

Hascup: In USA TODAY Sports' last player power rankings completed almost a month ago, Karlsson got a total of four votes among 10 voters. When we fill it out next week, Karlsson is going to get serious consideration as No. 1 from me. He is second in the league in points and first in assists (48) and average ice time (28 minutes, 48 seconds). Karlsson has been the most electric defenseman in the game by a mile, and his defensive game has never been better. He is being overlooked in this race.

Allen: Unquestionably, Karlsson deserves consideration. It's been 32 years since a defenseman (Paul Coffey) finished second in a scoring race. But Karlsson is not a favorite at this point. He certainly is not being overlooked. Other guys are just doing more to help their teams. Patrick Kane is having an incredible offensive season for a prime contender. He carried an exceptional Chicago Blackhawks team for two months. Goalie Braden Holtby is the main reason why this may be the best Washington Capitals team in franchise history. Karlsson's splendid play hasn't been enough to ensure the Senators will make the playoffs.

Hascup: Should we blame Karlsson for playing on a bad team? I think if the Senators were in the playoff hunt, then the story line would be different. Karlsson is only one player, and he's affecting games just as much as the other MVP contenders. Nobody would argue that the talent around Kane and Holtby is much greater than what Karlsson has to work with. You could pick a few players from the Capitals who are the reasons they are elite. Karlsson is playing in a different stratosphere this season. The Senators are the fourth-worst possession team (47%). With Karlsson on the ice, they are nearly 56%. His relative Corsi is slightly greater than Joe Thornton's, Patrice Bergeron's and Aaron Ekblad's. That is a sensational impact from one player.

Allen: We wouldn't penalize Karlsson for playing on a poor team as much as we would reward Kane and Holtby for being the best players on a quality team. Remember, these are all elite players we are comparing. They are all performing at an advanced level. We have to separate these players by some means to vote on MVP, and I believe the ability to lead your team to success is one way to do it. Holtby has been as noteworthy as Carey Price was last season with the Montreal Canadiens. He has been the reason why the Capitals have won on many occasions. Kane carried the flag for the Blackhawks when they were dealing with several key injuries.

Hascup: No doubt it's hard to overlook a player who's likely to eclipse 100 points and get close to 50 goals. The struggle for me when the season ends (disclosure: I don't have a real vote) will be weighing that against a defenseman who could put up 90 points, on a team that is significantly weakened without him. Holtby has been spectacular, but he has not been the savior Price was. This Capitals team is a much more formidable group. That's why I can't make Holtby my Hart winner.

Allen: I'm confident that the Capitals players would say Holtby has been their best player. Here's the bottom line: The Blackhawks were expected to take a step back this season, and they haven't. Kane's best offensive season has been a primary reason. The Capitals were expected to be a top team, but not as dominant as they have been. Holtby's play has lifted them. The Senators are right where we thought they would be. As great as Karlsson has performed, he hasn't been able to change the Senators' fortunes. Here's another bottom line: All three of these players could end up as finalists for the award. They have all played Hart-quality hockey.

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