The true MVPs: while Hart Trophy recognizes the Most Valuable Player in the NHL, we reveal the key performer on each team

Hockey Digest, May-June, 2004 by Barry Wilner

EACH YEAR, THE NHL AWARDS Hart Trophy for the overall league's Most Valuable Player. And each year, there is loud debate on just what makes someone a most valuable player, and who best fits that description.

Let's extrapolate that notion and look at just who is the MVP--the true MVE, as in most valuable performer--for every one of its 30 league franchises. And we're not going to limit our search strictly to points and assists, or saves and shutouts. Unlike in Hart Trophy balloting, where since 1972 only one defenseman, St. Louis' Chris Pronger in 2000, has been selected, we've tried to be more discerning. We're willing to consider other aspects of value, from worth at the box office and in the community to value on the ice.

Here is who HOCKEY DIGEST considers the MVP for each NHL team:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlanta

After the tragic death of Dan Snyder in a preseason auto accident and the loss of Dany Heatley for most of the season to injuries in the same crash, coach Bob Hartley has kept this team together, a very difficult chore. He has kept the Thrashers on course as a contender and not allowed them to be overcome by the grief.

Runner-up: Ilya Kovalchuk, a budding superstar.

Boston

The Bruins have a rugged leader with big-time skills that every team seeks in Joe Thornton, who carries as big a load as anyone in the NHL.

Runner-up: Sergei Samsonov, a sparkplug.

Buffalo

Owner B. Thomas Golisano simply saved the franchise from extinction. What can be more valuable?

Runner-up: Chris Drury, a rare experienced winner on this roster.

Carolina

Kevin Weekes. He's the Canes' only goalie of NHL quality, and on such a defense-oriented (read weak offensive) team, an absolute necessity.

Runner-up: Jeff O'Neill, if he ever can get his offense on track, is someone to rally around.

Florida

Defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, the future on the blue line.

Runner-up: Rookie Nathan Horton, the future up front.

Montreal

The Canadiens have one guy they can ride, as they did two years ago: goalie Jose Theodore.

Runner-up: Yanic Perreault, faceoff wizard, is a must on this low-scoring team.

New Jersey

Hard to believe, but this is close between Martin Brodeur and team president Lou Lamoriello. Brodeur gets the edge for being a Hall of Fame-caliber puck-stopper and the face of the franchise.

Runner-up: Lamoriello. With changing faces and small fan following, he keeps them on top.

New York Islanders

Trent Hunter. Yes, a rookie, and the biggest threat on Long Island in years. A true sniper with a touch in the clutch, this guy could lead the resurrection of the Islanders.

Runner-up: Nobody logs so much time any better than defenseman Adrian Aucoin.

New York Rangers

Among the high-priced players on this overpaid club of underachievers, center Bobby Holik is a key because he's still in his prime and is wining to do the little things it takes to win. Not many others are.

Runner-up: Still Brian Leetch, although he is fading.

Ottawa

For the Senators to get over the top in the East, where they have had the talent to go for several seasons, Marian Hossa must perform like a star. If he does, he could lift the Sens to a championship.

Runner-up: Zdeno Chara, the anchor on defense. And what a big anchor!

Philadelphia

Jeremy Roenick, the heart and soul of any team he plays on. Without his grit, the Flyers have no chance in the spring.

Runner-up: Coach Ken Hitchcock. If his system can work with these players, it can work anywhere.

Pittsburgh

Mario. He is hockey in Pittsburgh, and this franchise has no chance without him. If he can't get a new arena, the Penguins won't survive in Steel City.

Runner-up: None, although teenage goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has a chance to be.

Tampa Bay

One element this team can't do without is veteran leadership. Dave Andreychuk, a power-play specialist and likely Hall of Famer, provides it on the ice, the bench and in the locker room.

Runner-up: The ever-dangerous, opportunistic waterbug Martin St. Louis.

Toronto

The team psychologist. Everyone in Toronto (fans, media, family) harps on the Leafs' Stanley Cup drought. Anybody who can help the players deal with the distractions is critical to success.

Runner-up: Ed Belfour, whose goaltending must be flawless in the playoffs for this flawed team to finally win it all.

Washington

When he is making errors on the blue line, Sergei Gonchar turns everything in. an opponent's favor. When he is controlling action, especially on power plays, he can be the catalyst for Washington.

Runner-up: Hold on. We're thinking. Give us a minute ...

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Anaheim

Just as he was their guiding light in the 2003 playoffs, goalie J.S. Giguere is the key to any quacking the Mighty Ducks will do. When he is not spectacular, they have little chance, even with backup Martin Gerber playing well.

Runner-up: Sergei Fedorov, by far the most skilled all-around player in Anaheim.

Calgary

One of the 10 best talents in hockey, Jarome Iginla is capable of lifting this club far higher than any other Flame.

Runner-up: The Flames caught fire this season when their new goalie, Miikka Kiprusoff, showed up.