Wayne Gretzky won his first Hart Memorial Trophy in 1980. The Hart Trophy is awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player, as voted by members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. Gretzky earned the honor after his first NHL season with the Edmonton Oilers, recording 137 points in 1979–80 and immediately establishing himself as the league’s dominant offensive force.
The award marked the beginning of an extraordinary run. Gretzky won the Hart Trophy eight consecutive times from 1980 through 1987, then captured it again in 1989 for a career total of nine victories. No player has won the award more often.
A common mix-up comes from the season-versus-award-year distinction: Gretzky’s first Hart-winning season was 1979–80, but the trophy was presented in 1980. He had already played professionally in the World Hockey Association before joining the NHL, but the Hart Trophy is an NHL award and recognizes his performance in the NHL.