Top NHL player says Matthew Schaefer would be his choice for the Hart Trophy

Over the last few years, podcasting by professional athletes has taken off. Whether it be the Roommates Show by Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart of the New York Knicks or Wingmen with Matthew & Brady Tkachuk, we're getting an inside look behind the scenes, along with the thoughts and stories of some of the world's best athletes.

The Tkachuk brothers have made headlines recently, most notably, their father, Keith, joining the show and expressing his displeasure with load management across the NHL and how much it differs from his time in the league. But today, the Tkachuks discussed their choices for some of the NHL Awards, with Matthew's choice for the Hart Trophy being Matthew Schaefer of the NY Islanders.

Matthew Tkachuk names Matthew Schaefer as his choiuce for the Hart Trophy

"One guy I think has to be up for the award, somehow in the final three, is Schaefer," Matthew said. "I think he's got to be in there. He's so important to that team and really changed that whole team."

Along with Schaefer, the Tkachuk's also named Macklin Celebrini, and Connor McDavid as their top three. While Brady chose Celebrini as the league's most valuable player, Matthew sticks with his choice of Schaefer.

"I'll say Schaefer because they went from not making the playoffs to being right there from first overall (pick)," Matthew doubled down. "It's a toss-up with those two (Schaefer and McDavid), but I'll give him the benefit because he's a defenseman."

Though the Hart Trophy is considered the MVP of the league, it specifically states that it is awarded to "the most valuable player to his team in the National Hockey League." While McDavid has shown year after year that he is the league's top player, it's hard to argue that any player has been as valuable to his team as Schaefer has to the Islanders. And to hear other players across the league, especially those held in such high regard as the Tkachuk's, says something about the Isles' 18-year-old phenom.