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Hart Memorial Trophy

The Hart Memorial Trophy is an annual National Hockey League award given to the player judged most valuable to his team during the regular season.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Hart Memorial Trophy is an annual National Hockey League award presented to the player judged most valuable to his team during the regular season. Originally donated by Dr. David Hart in 1923 as the Hart Trophy, the award was retired and replaced by the current Hart Memorial Trophy in 1960.

History

The Hart Trophy was donated to the NHL in 1923 by Dr. David Hart. After the original trophy was retired in 1960, the league introduced the Hart Memorial Trophy as its successor.

Selection process

The award is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season. The player considered most valuable to his team receives the trophy.

Notable winners

Frank Nighbor won the first Hart Trophy, and Wayne Gretzky won it nine times, the most in league history. Other multiple winners include Gordie Howe and Eddie Shore.

Historical significance

The Hart Memorial Trophy is widely regarded as one of the NHL’s most important individual awards. It is one of the league’s oldest honors and has been a major marker of regular-season excellence.

Key facts

  • The Hart Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the NHL's most valuable player to his team during the regular season.
  • Voting is conducted by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.
  • The original trophy was donated by Dr. David Hart in 1923 and retired in 1960.
  • Frank Nighbor won the first award in 1924.
  • Wayne Gretzky holds the record for most wins with nine.
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Canadian context

The trophy is closely tied to Canadian hockey history: it was donated by Canadian physician Dr. David Hart, is named for a Canadian hockey family, and remains one of the NHL’s most prominent awards for players in a league with major Canadian fan interest.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Hart Memorial Trophy?
It is the NHL’s annual award for the player judged most valuable to his team during the regular season.
Who votes for the Hart Memorial Trophy?
Members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association vote for the award at the end of the regular season.
Who was the first winner?
Frank Nighbor of the Ottawa Senators won the first award after the 1923–24 season.
Why is it called the Hart Memorial Trophy?
It is named after Dr. David Hart, who donated the original trophy to the NHL.
Who has won it the most times?
Wayne Gretzky holds the record with nine wins.
When was the current trophy introduced?
The Hart Memorial Trophy was introduced in 1960 after the original Hart Trophy was retired.

References

  1. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/de/news/nhl-hart-memorial-trophy-siegerliste-299573738
    Supports: Award definition, voting body, 1960 introduction, original trophy donation by Dr. David Hart, Wayne Gretzky record.
  2. Hockey Hall of Fame — https://www.hhof.com/thecollection/hartmemorialtrophy.html
    Supports: History, first winner, donor, voting process, and leading winners.
  3. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hart_Memorial_Trophy
    Supports: First award, original trophy retirement to the Hockey Hall of Fame, and award totals.
  4. National Hockey League — https://www.media.nhl.com/site/asset/public/ext/2024-25/2025AwardsGuide.pdf
    Supports: Official award description, voting process, and history of the Hart Memorial Trophy.