Every NHL Team's Most Valuable Player in the 2015-16 Season
The 2015-16 NHL season is almost complete, and while not every team will have a player in consideration for the Hart Trophy, each franchise has a most valuable player.
Regardless of whether the team is preparing for a playoff run or a high draft pick, they were inspired by, led by, paced by or held afloat by one player more than any other.
Some teams have many options. Others have few. We go team by team to choose every NHL franchise's most valuable player for the 2015-16 campaign.
Click ahead to see who was chosen for your favorite team, and be sure to have your say in the comments section.
Anaheim Ducks: John Gibson
1 of 30
By the numbers: 39 games played, 20-13-4 record, .921 save percentage, 2.04 goals-against average, four shutouts.
Why he wins: The Anaheim Ducks were floundering and in need of a major confidence boost when rookie goalie John Gibson was first introduced to the crease this season after an injury to Frederik Andersen around the turn of the year.
Gibson played so well, he stuck around. The team got its stuff together, and Gibson has shared the net with Andersen, producing better numbers than his colleague. And with Andersen dealing with a concussion, the net has been Gibson's again down the stretch with the Ducks taking a shot at a division title.
Also worthy: Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry both recovered from awful openings to the season to lead the team's offensive turnaround while spending much of the year on separate lines. Getzlaf leads the team in assists with 50, and Perry tops the Ducks with 33 goals.
Arizona Coyotes: Oliver Ekman-Larsson
2 of 30
By the numbers: 74 games played, 21 goals, 34 assists, 55 points, eight game-winners, 224 shots.
Why he wins: Oliver Ekman-Larsson slipped out of former teammate Keith Yandle's shadow and into the spotlight as a true No. 1 defenseman this term. He hit the 20-goal mark for the second straight year and set new career highs in assists, power play points and game-winning goals while leading the Arizona Coyotes in ice time (24:45). And he did all that in fewer games because of injury troubles.
His skill set is as elite as it gets for a power-play quarterback, and he earned half his points on the man-advantage.
Also worthy: Max Domi had a strong rookie year, hitting 50 points and being two shy of 20 goals. Veteran captain and impending unrestricted free agent Shane Doan provides unquestioned leadership on and off the ice that helps alleviate the pressures his teammates may feel over the uncertainty of the franchise's future.
Boston Bruins: Patrice Bergeron
3 of 30
By the numbers: 79 games played, 32 goals, 36 assists, 68 points, plus-14, one shorthanded goal, six game-winners, 278 shots.
Why he wins: Patrice Bergeron is a good bet to win his third straight Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward. It would also be his fourth in five seasons—interrupted only by Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews during the lockout-shortened 2012 campaign.
Not only did Bergeron once again excel at shutting down the oppositions' best weapons, but he managed to put together his best offensive season since 2007. He's a gem who keeps the Boston Bruins in the playoff conversation every year.
Also worthy: David Krejci, Loui Eriksson and Brad Marchand all had great seasons offensively, with both Eriksson and Marchand surprising with their production. They helped the team become the fifth-best offensively in the league (235 goals). Ultimately, though, Bergeron's two-way ability makes him more valuable.
.png?w=256 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=256 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=256)
Buffalo Sabres: Ryan O'Reilly
4 of 30
By the numbers: 69 games played, 21 goals, 38 assists, 59 points, 22 power-play points, one shorthanded goal, two game-winners, 152 shots.
Why he wins: Ryan O'Reilly's value to the Buffalo Sabres goes beyond his solid two-way play and consistent offensive production. He missed a few weeks of action with a lower-body injury but was on pace for his best offensive season while leading the Sabres forwards in average ice time (21:46), playing in all situations.
He sets a great example through his work ethic—earning him a nod for the Masterton Award—which makes him a great fit for the rebuilding club.
Also worthy: Jack Eichel is a natural leader who averages more than 19 minutes per game and cracked the 20-goal and 50-point marks as a 19-year-old rookie. The 21-year-old defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen broke out with a 40-point season and has blossomed into a top blueliner in his third NHL season.
Calgary Flames: Johnny Gaudreau
5 of 30
By the numbers: 78 games played, 30 goals, 48 assists, 78 points, 21 power-play points, six game-winners, three overtime winners, 214 shots.
Why he wins: Johnny Gaudreau is by far the Calgary Flames' most dynamic player. He has game-changing abilities and is set to cash in on them as a restricted free agent this summer. His speed and vision come in a small package but an explosive one to say the least.
With a point-per-game season as a sophomore, he's among the top half-dozen offensive players in the NHL. His total of 78 is 15 points higher than the next most productive teammate, Sean Monahan.
Also worthy: Defensemen Mark Giordano and TJ Brodie are two of the best in the league, and the Flames are fortunate to have such great pieces on their blue line.
Carolina Hurricanes: Jeff Skinner
6 of 30
By the numbers: 81 games played, 28 goals, 23 assists, 51 points, seven game-winners, 255 shots.
Why he wins: Jeff Skinner seems to finally be over the concussion issues that plagued him after a sensational rookie season. Showing signs of the confident and slick sniper who notched 31 goals and 63 points as a freshman in 2010-11, Skinner has become a trusted offensive force for the Carolina Hurricanes.
He is finishing the season strong, putting up six goals and 14 points in the 16 games since the trade deadline.
Also worthy: Defenseman Justin Faulk had some injury problems but still managed 16 goals and 37 points in 63 games. He also led team in average ice time per contest (24:04).
Chicago Blackhawks: Patrick Kane
7 of 30
By the numbers: 81 games played, 44 goals, 59 assists, 103 points, 17 power-play goals, 36 power-play points, nine game-winners, 282 shots.
Why he wins: Given Patrick Kane is likely to win the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player to his team, there's no other choice here.
He is the only player to crack the 100-point plateau this season, hitting career highs in goals, assists and points. He is about to become the first American-born player to win the Art Ross race and has an almost 30-point lead over linemate Artemi Panarin among the Hawks' scoring leaders.
Also worthy: Jonathan Toews has been in Kane's shadow all year, and his offensive output has dipped, but he remains a potential Selke Trophy finalist, allowing Kane to enjoy better matchups by taking on the best his competitors have to offer.
Colorado Avalanche: Tyson Barrie
8 of 30
By the numbers: 76 games played, 13 goals, 36 assists, 49 points, 21 power-play points, two shorthanded points, five game-winners.
Why he wins: Tyson Barrie is a big part of the Colorado Avalanche's future. The franchise made a huge effort to improve the quality of the defense last July with veteran free-agent addition Francois Beauchemin, but it's Barrie who is able to make things happen with his vision and skill.
The 24-year-old is still a little raw and unpolished at times, but he was the team's most impressive player early on before injury derailed his breakout a little.
Also worthy: Matt Duchene leads the team in points (59) despite his Sportsnet-reported feud with head coach Patrick Roy, reaching the 30-goal mark for the first time.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Boone Jenner
9 of 30
By the numbers: 80 games played, 30 goals, 18 assists, 48 points, nine power-play goals, 14 power-play points, one shorthanded goal, three game-winners, 222 shots.
Why he wins: When Boone Jenner was chosen in the second round of the 2011 draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets probably thought he was capable of some secondary scoring and gritty play on a second or third line. But Jenner has turned into a top-line center since the departure of Ryan Johansen and is the team's co-leader in goals.
The 22-year-old is a bundle of energy and effort, and his tenaciousness on the ice motivates those around him to be better.
Also worthy: Brandon Saad performed well in his first season with the Blue Jackets, hitting the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career.
Dallas Stars: Jamie Benn
10 of 30
By the numbers: 81 games played, 41 goals, 47 shots, 88 points, 17 power-play goals, 29 power-play points, two shorthanded goals, five shorthanded points, five game-winners, 245 shots.
Why he wins: There isn't a better leader among the elite NHL leaders than Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars. Benn does it all—ranking third in goals, 11th in assists, second in points, seventh in shorthanded points and third in both power-play goals and points.
He isn't afraid to get physical both as a power forward and a middleweight enforcer at times. As talented and deep as the Stars are, Benn is the guy who sets the tone for the group on and off the ice.
Also worthy: Tyler Seguin's Achilles injury limited his season to 72 games, but he proved once again to be one of the NHL's top playmakers. Defenseman John Klingberg jumped from surprising rookie force to bona fide elite blueliner this season with nearly 60 points.
Detroit Red Wings: Pavel Datsyuk
11 of 30
By the numbers: 65 games played, 16 goals, 32 assists, 48 points, 19 power-play points, 177 shots.
Why he wins: The Detroit Red Wings lacked true star-power production this season, but in terms of points per game, Pavel Datsyuk led the way with .74 per contest. Injuries plague the former superstar, but he's shown again this season that he's one of the most impressive puckhandlers in the game when healthy.
Datsyuk's time as a marquee player is running short, but the team needs him during this time of transition to the younger core.
Also worthy: Dylan Larkin has been consistent and impressive, putting up 45 points as a rookie, and goaltender Petr Mrazek has solid numbers (.921 save percentage, 2.33 goals-against average and four shutouts) for a sophomore playing his first season as a starter.
Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid
12 of 30
By the numbers: 44 games played, 16 goals, 32 assists, 48 points, 14 power-play points, five game-winners, 105 shots.
Why he wins: Rookie phenom Connor McDavid is just 16 points behind Edmonton Oilers team leader Taylor Hall but only played in just over half the games thanks to a shoulder injury. It's clear the top pick in last spring's draft has the kind of generational talent that could place him in the Sidney Crosby category once he suits up for a full season.
McDavid's performances, using his speed and intelligence to carve up defenses and goaltenders, have been the highlight for yet another season without the playoffs in Edmonton.
Also worthy: Hall and Leon Draisaitl developed a nice chemistry in McDavid's absence and lead the team offensively this season.
Florida Panthers: Jaromir Jagr
13 of 30
By the numbers: 78 games played, 27 goals, 38 assists, 65 points, plus-22, four game-winners.
Why he wins: At 44 years of age, Jaromir Jagr has helped bring the Florida Panthers back into the playoffs. He leads the team in scoring and hasn't slowed down much despite his many years of professional hockey.
He uses his smarts and size to help protect the puck and shared his vast knowledge of the game to help speed along the development of linemates Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov.
Also worthy: Barkov is one of the most underrated young players in the game, playing against top competition as a 20-year-old center and still producing points at a pace of .90 per game. Goalie Roberto Luongo has been among the top 10 netminders all season and given the Panthers the consistency they need to be competitive on a nightly basis.
Los Angeles Kings: Anze Kopitar
14 of 30
By the numbers: 80 games played, 25 goals, 48 assists, 73 points, plus-35, 18 power-play points, three shorthanded points, eight game-winners, 175 shots.
Why he wins: Anze Kopitar is having his best offensive campaign since 2012 and remains one of the top defensive centers in the league.
The Los Angeles Kings' return to playoff quality as a group is linked to the success of the Slovenian, who was unaffected by the contract negotiations that locked him up for another eight years.
Also worthy: Defenseman Drew Doughty will be a Norris Trophy candidate thanks to a 50-point season. It's nearly a coin toss between these two, but with the struggles the Kings have had with depth of scorers this year, Kopitar's upswing has been key.
Minnesota Wild: Ryan Suter
15 of 30
By the numbers: 81 games played, eight goals, 43 assists, 51 points, 21 power-play points, two shorthanded points, two game-winners, 186 shots.
Why he wins: Ryan Suter's minutes per game (28:40) are second only to the Ottawa Senators' Erik Karlsson—a player who could be in the Hart Trophy chatter. Suter is similarly important to his team, not only for the minutes he plays and who he plays them against, but for the ability to produce offensively as well.
Suter's season has been his best to date, tying his career mark in goals and setting new highs in assists and points.
Also worthy: While looking into the candidates, a strong case presented on SB Nation was in favor of Nino Niederreiter, and it's tough to argue the numbers. But Suter's minutes against quality opponents are so valuable.
Montreal Canadiens: Carey Price
16 of 30
By the numbers: 12 games played, 10-2-0 record, .934 save percentage, 2.06 goals-against average, two shutouts.
Why he wins: It's a small sample size that produced the above numbers, but it's the tremendous difference both of the Montreal Canadiens' spot in the standings and of the numbers produced by those who have tried to replace him in goal this year that stand out in illustrating just how valuable Carey Price is to the Habs.
The bottom line is their season fell apart when he was injured just a couple months into the season.
Also worthy: Alex Galchenyuk has had a strong second half of the campaign and is finally developing as a top center.
Nashville Predators: Roman Josi
17 of 30
.By the numbers: 81 games played, 14 goals, 47 assists, 61 points, 24 power-play points, two shorthanded points, three game-winners, 198 shots
Why he wins: Roman Josi is the leader of a strong defensive group that also boasts a slightly older Shea Weber. The 25-year-old Josi is unquestionably the Nashville Predators' top blueliner these days, sitting second in team scoring and leading the team in assists.
He's got 10 more points than Weber this season and is averaging more minutes (25:29) than any other Preds player.
Also worthy: Winger Filip Forsberg hit the 30-goal mark as a sophomore and is averaging more than 19 minutes a game—including regular shifts on both the power-play and penalty-kill units.
New Jersey Devils: Cory Schneider
18 of 30
By the numbers: 57 games played, 26-25-6 record, .923 save percentage, 2.17 goals-against average, four shutouts.
Why he wins: Before spraining his MCL, Cory Schneider was the New Jersey Devils' best player most nights, giving the talent depleted squad a chance to win almost every night in spite of the roster lacking proven scorers outside of Michael Cammalleri.
He needs one win to set a new high for wins in a single season during his career and ranks top six in save percentage and top four in goals-against average.
Also worthy: Newcomer Kyle Palmieri exceeded hopes after joining the team in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks in the offseason. He set new highs in every offensive category while playing his first full season in the NHL.
New York Islanders: John Tavares
19 of 30
By the numbers: 77 games played, 32 goals, 37 assists, 69 points, 19 power-play points, five game-winners, 246 shots.
Why he wins: John Tavares didn't have the greatest first half of the season but was much stronger and more consistent as time went on, helping guide the New York Islanders back into the playoffs down the stretch.
As an example of how he steps up his game when the pressure is on, he's had three consecutive multi-point games and has six goals and has 13 points in his last nine games. He leads the Isles in scoring and ice time (20:01) among all forwards, and his record of 246 shots is almost 50 more than the next nearest teammate.
Also worthy: Goaltender Thomas Greiss helped save the Isles season thanks to his impressive play during starter Jaroslav Halak's struggles with injury and consistency. He's ended up with more starts than Halak and posted better overall numbers with a .926 save percentage and 2.33 goals-against average.
New York Rangers: Henrik Lundqvist
20 of 30
By the numbers: 65 games played, 35-21-7 record, 2.41 goals-against average, .920 save percentage, four shutouts.
Why he wins: The New York Rangers have given Henrik Lundqvist a tremendous amount of support in the scoring department as one of the league's top scoring teams, but defensively the Rangers have been uncharacteristically generous. That's left Lundqvist to be the team's most valuable player most nights.
He may not appear to be performing as well as he has in the past, but he still has strong personal stats in the face of an increasing workload, detailed nicely by Sportsnet's Stephen Burtch with the use of some advanced stats.
Also worthy: Derek Stepan has been a driving force behind the Rangers offense this season, especially late in the year. He is tied for the team lead with a .75 point-per-game average and has produced nine goals and 24 points in 20 games since Feb. 27.
Ottawa Senators: Erik Karlsson
21 of 30
By the numbers: 81 games played, 16 goals, 65 assists, 81 points, 26 power-play points, three game-winners, 247 shots.
Why he wins: Erik Karlsson is among the top five scoring leaders in the entire NHL and leads his own team by 20 points as a defenseman.
The Ottawa Senators captain is by far his club's most valuable player, averaging more than 29 minutes of ice time per game—tops in the league—and has already produced the first 80-point season by a blueliner since Nicklas Lidstrom in 2006. He's the NHL's top assist man and should finish as the first defenseman since Bobby Orr to lead that category.
Also worthy: Winger Mark Stone has elevated his game for the Sens, playing important minutes in all situations and becoming one of just a dozen forwards in the league to average more than 20 minutes of ice time per game. He also leads the Sens forward group with 61 points.
Philadelphia Flyers: Claude Giroux
22 of 30
By the numbers: 77 games played, 22 goals, 44 assists, 66 points, 27 power-play points, two shorthanded points, five game-winners, 234 shots.
Why he wins: Claude Giroux may not be the sexiest pick for Philadelphia Flyers MVP, but he quietly does everything extremely well, from voracious backchecking and defensive-zone play to his dynamic offensive leadership. Giroux has paced the team in points and helped them become a true playoff possibility right to the end with important minutes against top competition. He even suits up on the penalty kills.
Also worthy: Rookie defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere has been outstanding with 44 points in 62 games since his recall from the AHL in mid-November, and the team has been more potent since his arrival. Goalie Steve Mason has looked much more like the Calder-winning netminder the team invested in as time has progressed this year.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby
23 of 30
By the numbers: 80 games played, 36 goals, 49 assists, 85 points, plus-19 rating, 24 power-play points, nine game-winners, 248 shots.
Why he wins: Sidney Crosby had five points in the month of October but sits third in the NHL in scoring. Since the All-Star break, he has put up 19 goals and 44 points in 33 games, and he leads the league in scoring in the 2016 calendar year.
With the Pittsburgh Penguins moving into second spot in the Metropolitan Division thanks to Crosby's spark, the team's captain has become a legitimate Hart Trophy candidate.
Also worthy: Defenseman Kris Letang has once again emerged as one of the NHL's most elite defensemen. He has 67 points in 71 games and is averaging nearly 27 minutes of ice time.
San Jose Sharks: Joe Thornton
24 of 30
By the numbers: 81 games played, 19 goals, 62 assists, 81 points, plus-25 rating, 28 power-play points, six game-winners, 118 shots.
Why he wins: Something was off last season with the San Jose Sharks, and Joe Thornton had his worst year in more than a decade as a result of the turmoil. The former captain stuck around, and under new bench boss Peter DeBoer, Thornton has bounced back for one of his best season's to date.
He's not a 100-point man but reminiscent of the way Steve Yzerman grew later in his career. The 36-year-old Thornton is earning legitimate Selke chatter while still producing offensively at a rate not seen since 2010.
Also worthy: Defenseman Brent Burns is the league's top goal-scoring defenseman (27) and second only to Erik Karlsson in the points race with 74 in 81 games.
St. Louis Blues: Vladimir Tarasenko
25 of 30
By the numbers: 79 games played, 39 goals, 34 assists, 73 points, 12 power-play goals, 24 power-play points, seven game-winners, 289 shots.
Why he wins: Vladimir Tarasenko is by far the most dynamic offensive force for the St. Louis Blues, a team that depends heavily on timely scoring. He could reach 40 goals for the first time and is one point away from a new career-high total.
The 24-year-old is among the top 12 scorers in the NHL. He's a human highlight reel who makes everyone around him better.
Also worthy: Goaltender Brian Elliott lost his starting role to Jake Allen earlier this season but reclaimed it when Allen was hurt. Turns out Elliott was able to perform at an even higher level than Allen and has posted incredible numbers (a .932 save percentage and 2.00 GAA) during his opportunities.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Ben Bishop
26 of 30
By the numbers: 61 games played, 35-21-4 record, 2.06 goals-against average, .926 save percentage.
Why he wins: Ben Bishop has the best save percentage and goals-against average among all goaltenders who have played at least 50 games.
His Tampa Bay Lightning have been mediocre offensively all year and terrible on the power play. Bishop may be the biggest reason the Bolts penalty kill ranks seventh. His .910 save percentage while shorthanded ranks second behind Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson.
Also worthy: Nikita Kucherov may be the Lightning's most consistent player this season, leading the team in points (66) and points per game (.86). Victor Hedman is deserving of some serious consideration for the Norris Trophy for his 47 points and invaluable role on Tampa Bay's blue line.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Nazem Kadri
27 of 30
By the numbers: 76 games played, 17 goals, 28 assists, 45 points, 14 power-play points, two game-winners, 260 shots.
Why he wins: Nazem Kadri may be one of the least lucky snipers in the NHL. He ranks 12th in the league in shots, but because of a 6.5 shooting percentage, is 118th in points.
The Toronto Maple Leafs didn't have much to cheer about, and the 25-year-old had his own ups and downs this season, but he is the closest thing the team has to a potential star with experience.
Also worthy: Defenseman Morgan Rielly came into his own this year, leading the Leafs in average ice time (23:13) and cracking the 30-point mark in his third season.
Vancouver Canucks: Daniel Sedin
28 of 30
By the numbers: 81 games played, 28 goals, 33 assists, 61 points, 19 power-play points, six game-winners, 255 shots.
Why he wins: The Vancouver Canucks are in line for a nice draft pick after a terrible season, but it wasn't for lack of effort from Daniel Sedin, who led the team in points, goals and shots.
Brother Henrik struggled through aches and pains and their winger was a revolving cast. Yet Daniel produced. More importantly, he inspired. The Sedins aren't particularly vocal, but Daniel has evolved into a strong role model for a rebuilding team.
Also worthy: Henrik missed some games but actually has the same points-per-game average (.75) as Daniel.
Washington Capitals: Evgeny Kuznetsov
29 of 30
By the numbers: 80 games played, 20 goals, 56 assists, 76 points, plus-25 rating, 18 power-play points, four game-winners, 187 shots.
Why he wins: As valuable as Alex Ovechkin's goal-scoring prowess is and how good Braden Holtby has been in net, it's the emergence of center Evgeny Kuznetsov that has helped make the Washington Capitals one of the most difficult opponents to beat in the NHL this season.
Kuznetsov might be an even better playmaker than Nicklas Backstrom, and his abilities have given the team arguably the best one-two punch down the middle.
Also worthy: Ovechkin, Holtby and Backstrom are all worthy of consideration.
Winnipeg Jets: Blake Wheeler
30 of 30
By the numbers: 81 games played, 25 goals, 51 assists, 76 points, 17 power-play points, two shorthanded goals, four shorthanded points, five game-winners, 254 shots.
Why he wins: With a new career high established in both assists and points, Blake Wheeler has become the unquestioned leader of the Winnipeg Jets offense. The 29-year-old is a critical part of every aspect of the game and one of its most dangerous shorthanded weapons.
His growth came through hard work, and Wheeler sets a needed example on and off the ice for the young Jets prospects—even more important after the February departure of captain Andrew Ladd.
Also worthy: Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien is a key piece of the puzzle in Winnipeg. His heavy-hitting nature makes entering the Jets zone a tough task, and his offensive contributions from the back end made him the easy choice over Ladd as the guy to sign to a long-term deal.
All stats per NHL.com unless otherwise noted.
.png?w=480 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=480 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=480)
.png?w=600 "B/R NHL Staff Second-Round Predictions 🏒")
