Just because Martin Brodeur has picked Sidney Crosby as the Most
Valuable Player in the NHL, he hasn't ruled himself out of the race
for the prestigious Hart Trophy.

In his weekly column in Le Journal de Montreal on Sunday, the New
Jersey Devils star goaltender said Crosby was the best choice for the
award.

But he clarified that opinion yesterday during an NHL conference call.

"When I was doing my column, it was kind of hard to pick myself,"
Brodeur said. "I believe he's one of the most valuable players in the
league. If I had to vote and you couldn't vote for yourself, that's
the guy I would be voting for."

And if he did have a vote?

"You should never vote against yourself -- that's not a good sign," he
replied with a laugh.

The media selects the Hart Trophy winner and Brodeur, Crosby and
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo appear to be the
front-runners.