MacKinnon, Kucherov, McDavid named finalists for 2026 Hart Trophy

Three players have been head-and-shoulders above the rest this season, and are being recognized for their efforts.

On Friday, the NHL announced that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov, Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid have been named the finalists for the 2025-26 Hart Trophy, awarded to the league’s most valuable player.

Kucherov and McDavid were both named finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award, given to the best player in the league chosen by members of the NHL Players’ Association.

McDavid is seemingly the odds-on favorite to be named MVP, and might take home both the Hart and the Ted Lindsay this year. It was thanks to his play that the Oilers overcame another early-season slide, leading them to finish second in the Pacific Division and secure a seventh consecutive postseason berth. No. 97 won the Art Ross Trophy for the sixth time in his career, and the first since his career-best 153-point campaign in 2022-23, the last time he won the Hart and Ted Lindsay as well. McDavid scored 48 goals and 88 assists for 136 points, marking the sixth year in a row that he has hit the century mark in points, and the third time he has posted 130 points. 

The Richmond Hill, Ont. native is a Hart finalist for the seventh time and is looking to become the fourth player in NHL history to become a four-time MVP.

MacKinnon was a key player in helping the Avalanche win the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time since 2021. The Cole Harbour, N.S. native clinched the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy after leading the league with 53 goals this season. He ended up third in scoring behind McDavid and Kucherov, notching 127 points in 80 games.

MacKinnon first won the Hart in 2023-24, and is vying to give the Avs their fourth MVP winner.

It has been seven years since Kucherov, the reigning Ted Lindsay winner, won the Hart. Since then, he has remained one of the most consistent players on the Lightning roster. This year, the Russian star led the Bolts in goals (44), assists (86) and points (130), finishing second behind McDavid in assists and points. It marks the fourth consecutive season that Kucherov has reached 100 points, and the sixth time in his NHL career.

A win for Kucherov would mark just the third time a player from the Lightning has taken home the Hart.