The Hart Trophy race is crowded as the NHL hits the midway point of its season. Adam Vingan explores five players who have a strong MVP case so far.

The Top 100 People of Power & Influence in hockey are featured annually in The Hockey News' Money and Power issue, available at THN.com/free. Few are able to take over a contest like the reigning Hart Trophy winner. His relationship with Crosby has led MacKinnon to establish himself as a familiar face off the ice, too.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and his NHL-leading 53rd assist of the season to help the Colorado Avalanche rout the Minnesota Wild 6-1 on Thursday night. Mikko Rantanan and Logan ...