Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon have long been the two best players in the NHL, but somehow in 2025-2026 it feels like they’ve taken their games to another level.
The superstar centers have played with the rest of the league to start the season, being by far the best two-point producers as they comfortably lead their respective teams into the playoff position over the holiday break.
MacKinnon stormed out of the gate looking like he had already bagged the Hart and Art Ross trophies before anyone else even had a chance. That was until December arrived and McDavid flipped the switch into full ‘McJesus’ mode, not only closing the gap but blowing past MacKinnon to open a six-point lead – something few could have imagined a month ago.
Assuming both keep anything close to their current and usual pace, each has a compelling case to take home league MVP honors, setting the stage for a close race down the road.
As Christmas approaches, it’s as close as it gets, although sentiment in the hockey world seems to be tilting slightly toward the Oilers captain. TSN’s OverDrive posted a poll on
The 28-year-old McDavid has collected 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists) in 38 games, while MacKinnon, 30, has 61 points (30 goals, 31 assists) in just 36 games.
Is Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon the MVP?
Choosing between two generational superstars at the height of their powers is about as difficult as it gets.
There’s still plenty of hockey to be played, and both have elite running mates – Leon Draisaitl and Cale Makar – who are themselves worthy of Hart Trophy consideration.
That said, what McDavid has done over the past month to drag a thinner supporting cast back into contention in Edmonton gives him the edge at the moment, although MacKinnon obviously remains hot on his heels.
Time has flown by and both players are now in the latter half of their careers, so fans should realize how rare it is to see talents like McDavid and MacKinnon go head-to-head in a scoring race like this, as they don’t come around often.
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