The NFL is not the only sport that is going to have an intense MVP debate. As the 2024-25 NHL season reaches its halfway point, the Hart Trophy (MVP) race is still extremely wide open with several contenders emerging.

To mark the halfway point of the 2024-25 regular season, NHL.com is running its third installment of the Trophy Tracker series. Today, we look at the race for the Hart Trophy, given annually to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team in the NHL as selected in a poll by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

MacKinnon is the most likely Avalanche player to take advantage of a Wild defense that is bleeding shots. Not only is he the best shot-generator on the team, but the Wild have allowed the second-most shots to centers in the NHL over the past few weeks.

The Minnesota Wild feel a sense of urgency despite having nearly half a season left to play. After losing three in a row and four of their last five games, the Wild will look to turn things around on Monday afternoon against the host Colorado Avalanche in Denver.

(AP) — Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and his NHL-leading 53rd assist ... But playing without leading scorer Kirill Kaprizov and their top three defensemen took its toll against the Avalanche, who held Minnesota to 12 shots on goal in the first two periods.

(AP) — Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and his NHL ... But playing without leading scorer Kirill Kaprizov and their top three defensemen took its toll against the Avalanche, who held Minnesota ...

Ten games before their breather. As the Calgary Flames continue to push for an unexpected playoff berth, they’re determined to leave themselves in a good spot when the NHL pushes pause for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Identifying the players with four games each week and filling your roster with those players can increase your chances of winning your fantasy hockey matchup.

The Colorado Avalanche (28-18-1) continue their homestand against the Minnesota Wild (27-15-4) in another matinee matchup at Ball Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 1:08 p.m. MT. READ MORE: How Will Jared Bednar Spend His Time During 4 Nations?

In the second of three-consecutive Central-Division matchups, the Avalanche host the Minnesota Wild. Monday marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season, as they’ll meet in Denver on February 28 and in St. Paul on March 11.

Mikko Rantanen and Matthew Boldy will be two of the most exciting players to watch when the Colorado Avalanche face the Minnesota Wild at Ball Arena on Monday, January 20 at 3:00 PM ET. Buy tickets for this matchup at StubHub!

The Colorado Avalanche (28-18-1) and the Minnesota Wild (27-15-4) take the ice in Denver, Colorado on January 20, 2025 at Ball Arena, starting at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN+. The Avalanche are sixth (with 57 points) and the Wild fourth (58 points) in the Western Conference.