In reconciling that performance with the award’s intent, it’s clear that Crosby should be the frontrunner for this year’s Hart Trophy. Crosby is excelling in every facet of the game.

But if we view Crosby’s work through the prism of the Hart Trophy definition, in which the award goes to the player judged most valuable to his team, Crosby’s case becomes especially interesting.

During his outstanding NHL career, Crosby has won the Stanley Cup three times with the Penguins while earning several individual honours, including both the regular season MVP (Hart Trophy ...