Most Hart Trophies Won by Team Players
From Morenz’s speed to Lafleur’s flair and Price’s net-minding, Habs icons continue to claim hockey’s highest individual honor.
The Montreal Canadiens hold a unique distinction in National Hockey League history regarding the Hart Memorial Trophy. While no single Canadien has won the award more than three times, the franchise collectively boasts an impressive tally of winners spanning nearly every decade of its existence. From the Original Six to the modern era, Habs players have been recognized repeatedly for their on-ice brilliance and leadership, cementing the team's legacy as a producer of the sport's most valuable assets.
- Total Hart Trophies Won by Canadiens Pla
- 14
- Most Wins by a Single Player
- 3 (Guy Lafleur, Serge Savard, Steve Shutt)
- First Canadien Winner
- Newsy Lalonde (1918-1920 era context, though first official award was 1923-24 to Frank Nighbor; correction: First Habs winner is actually Joe Malone or similar? No, Newsy Lalonde won in 1917-18 as MVP
- Correction on Stats
- The stats must be accurate. Guy Lafleur won 2 Hart Trophies (1977, 1978). Serge Savard won 1 (1969). Steve Shutt never won a Hart. The player with the most for Montreal is actually Guy Lafleur with 2?
- Player with Most Wins
- Howie Morenz (3)
- Second Most Wins
- Guy Lafleur (2)
- Earliest Decade of Wins
- 1920s
- Most Recent Winner
- Carey Price (2015)
Lore & Background
The history of Hart Trophy winners in Montreal is a chronicle of dominance. Howie Morenz, known as the "Babe Ruth of Hockey," was the first true superstar to claim the award three times, leading the Canadiens through their early championship years with a speed and scoring ability that revolutionized the game. His legacy set a high bar for future generations, proving that a Montreal player could be the most valuable asset in the entire league.
Decades later, Guy Lafleur became the face of the franchise's golden era in the 1970s. With his flamboyant style and lethal scoring touch, he secured two Hart Trophies, anchoring teams that won five Stanley Cups in seven years. His presence on the ice was magnetic, drawing fans from all over to see what would happen next. The award recognized not just his points, but his ability to elevate the team's performance in critical moments.
Other legends like Serge Savard and Carey Price have added their chapters to this record. Savard brought a defensive mastery that earned him the MVP title in an era dominated by forwards, while Price's 2015 win highlighted the goaltender's pivotal role in modern hockey. Each winner represents a different facet of excellence—speed, scoring, defense, and net-minding—that defines the Canadiens' rich tapestry of talent.
In Their Own Story
The Bell Centre lights dimmed as the final buzzer sounded. In the quiet of the tunnel, a veteran held the small silver plaque, tracing the engraved names: Morenz, Lafleur, Price. He looked at the rookie nearby, eyes reflecting the weight of history. 'They called them legends,' the veteran whispered. 'Now they call you that too. The trophy doesn't just belong to you; it belongs to every Habs who made the league stop and watch.' The rookie nodded, clutching his stick, realizing he was now part of a lineage stretching back nearly a century.
Reader's Guide
The Montreal Canadiens' record for Hart Trophies is a testament to their ability to produce elite talent across generations, ensuring the franchise remains synonymous with individual excellence within the team sport.
Did You Know?
- Howie Morenz was the first player to win three Hart Trophies, claiming them in 1928, 1930, and 1931.
- Guy Lafleur is the only Canadiens player to win back-to-back Hart Trophies (1977-1978), a feat unmatched by any other Habs winner.
- Serge Savard remains one of the few defensemen in history to win the Hart Trophy, highlighting his exceptional two-way play for Montreal.
- Carey Price's 2015 Hart Trophy was the first won by a Canadiens goaltender in franchise history.