Patrick Kane's 2015–2016 season was nothing short of historic

with his 26 game point streak (highest among Blackhawk franchise members, current NHL players and American-born players), and becoming the first American-born player to win the Art Ross Trophy. It was no surprise when Kane was named a finalist for the Hart Trophy (NHL Regular Season MVP) alongside Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. All three men had incredible seasons and were the top three among overall points for the regular season. Due to reasons of statistics and consistency due to his point streak, Kane is without a doubt the best contender for the 2016 Hart Trophy.

Statistically, Kane blows both Benn and Crosby out of the water.

The 17-point gap between Kane and Art Ross Trophy runner-up Jamie Benn speaks for itself as well as the 21-point gap between Kane and second runner-up Sidney Crosby. When it comes to goals, Kane is five ahead of Benn and 10 ahead of Crosby. For assists, Kane is 11 ahead of Crosby and 12 ahead of Benn. Although numbers are an easy argument in Kane's favor, they are a sound argument due to the significant gap between Kane and his competitors when it comes to goals, assists and overall points for the 2015–2016 regular season.

One factor that makes an athlete strong is consistency. A point streak is the absolute epitome of consistency, and Kane's 26 game point streak

is no exception. He beat the previous record for longest point streak among current NHL players (previously held by Sidney Crosby) and his streak is the longest in more than two decades. The streak was historic in every sense of the word, and if there is one reason Kane should win the Hart Trophy, it is his point streak.

The only argument against Kane being awarded the Hart Trophy is from the sexual assault allegations against him

from late in the offseason last year and early in the season. Although the case was dropped and no charges were filed, Kane's critics still find a way to use it against him. It can even be argued that Kane receiving the Hart Trophy can be a "public relations nightmare"

for the NHL.

The argument has little to no substance for the bizarre manner in which the the case ended

, no charges ever being filed, as well as off-ice behavior not having any factor in picking a Hart Trophy winner. Although public opinion can appear to be a problem with someone who was once accused of rape being awarded the trophy, cases like these have a tendency to go away. Kobe Bryant's sexual assault case went as far as an arrest (unlike Kane's) before the charges were dropped, and with time the scandal disappeared, and Bryant finished his career as one of the most celebrated NBA players of all time.

Kane, Benn and Crosby all had incredible seasons, but Kane's numbers speak for themselves and blow Benn's and Crosby's out of the water. If the only counter argument is due to a scandal, it speaks volumes to how strong the arguments in Kane's favor are.