Definition of Hart Trophy



The Hart Memorial Trophy, or simply the Hart Trophy, is an annual award recognizing the "most valuable player" (MVP) in the National Hockey League (NHL).

In photo:  Sidney Crosby won the Hart Memorial Trophy twice, in 2007 and 2014.It is named in honor of the Canadian Dr. David Hart, who donated the original trophy to the league in 1923. His son, Cecil Hart, was a longtime head coach of the Montreal Canadiens.

The winner is selected at the end of regular season (not including the playoffs) by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

The list of winners of the Hart Trophy includes legendary players such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Gordie Howe.