The NHL has announced that Nashville Predators defenceman Roman Josi has won the Hart Trophy.
The Hart Trophy Belongs to Roman Josi
The 6′-1″ tall captain of the Nashville Predators has just been awarded the highest honour of an NHL defenceman. Josi is the winner of the 2019-20 Hart Trophy. He finished second in the NHL for points by a defenceman with 65. Of those points, 16 were goals and 49 were assists.
Josi was one of the most important players on a Nashville team that has been on the decline. They traded away P.K. Subban this past offseason. While Subban has not been as good this season as he has been in years past, his departure left Josi to hold down the fort. Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis are also still in Nashville and both are capable defenders. But Josi stands head and shoulders above them all. He is not only a great offensive talent from the blue line but a top tier defender and motivating captain.
Other nominees for the award this season included Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning and John Carlson of the Washington Capitals. Hedman won the award in 2018. While all three are very deserving nominees, many would have argued for John Carlson. He led the NHL in points by a defenceman with 75. But, you also have to consider the supporting cast around him. Carlson plays with one of the most gifted goal scorers of all-time in Alex Ovechkin. Victor Hedman also plays on a very talented roster but was 10 points behind Josi. The offensive talent on Nashville’s roster is lacking. Josi is not only deserving of this award based upon his point totals. He is also deserving because he did all of it on his own. Major congratulations are in order for Nashville’s blue line centrepiece. He had a terrific season.
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