The NHL announced on Friday that Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, and Nikita Kucherov from the Tampa Bay Lightning are the finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy this season. This prestigious award is presented annually to the player considered most valuable to their team.
McDavid led the league with 90 assists and 138 points in 82 games, earning his sixth Art Ross Trophy as the top scorer. MacKinnon excelled with 53 goals and 74 assists in 80 games, guiding the Avalanche to a historic 121-point season and clinching the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular-season team. Meanwhile, Kucherov showcased his talent by leading the Lightning with 130 points (44 goals and 86 assists) in 76 games.
McDavid aims to join an elite group of players with at least four Hart Trophies, including Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, and Eddie Shore. In contrast, Kucherov and MacKinnon have each won the award once in their careers.
Notably, Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets was the recipient of the award for the 2024-25 season, adding to the list of esteemed players recognized for their exceptional contributions to their teams.
