Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Nikita Kucherov finalists for MVP
Connor McDavid is one step nearer to his fourth NHL MVP award as he was named a finalist for the Hart Trophy on Friday.
The Edmonton Oilers star joins Colorado Avalanche heart Nathan MacKinnon and Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov as Hart Trophy finalists. The different two have additionally beforehand gained the award, which is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Notable in his absence as a finalist: San Jose Sharks phenomen Macklin Celebriniwho had one of many best seasons in NHL historical past for a 19-year-old participant. Celebrini set a franchise file for factors in a season (115, together with 45 targets), scoring 56 extra factors and 21 extra targets than some other Sharks participant this season. But whereas MacKinnon, McDavid and Kucherov all made the playoffs, San Jose missed the minimize by 4 factors within the standings.
Celebrini was not too long ago named a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award for most excellent participant, as voted on by the NHLPA. McDavid and Kucherov had been the opposite finalists.
McDavid, 29, led the NHL in factors (138 in 82 video games) to win his sixth scoring title. He additionally led the league in assists (90) for the fifth time. The Oilers star was third in targets scored this season (48), trailing MacKinnon and Cole Caufield. McDavid was at his greatest at a important second for the Oilers when star heart Leon Draisaitl He was out with an harm close to the top of the season. McDavid had 24 factors in 14 video games in Draisaitl’s absence, solidifying Edmonton’s spot within the Stanley Cup playoffs.
McDavid gained the Hart Trophy in 2023, 2021 and 2017 and has been a finalist seven occasions in his 11-year NHL profession. He additionally gained the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2024, changing into simply the second skater in NHL historical past to win playoff MVP whereas his crew misplaced within the Stanley Cup Final.
If McDavid wins the Hart Trophy, he’ll tie Eddie Shore for the third-most MVP wins in NHL historical past behind Wayne Gretzky (9 wins) and Gordie Howe (six).
Kucherov, 32, was second to McDavid in factors with 130, the second-highest complete of his profession. He matched his profession greatest with 44 targets in 76 video games. Kucherov had the very best factors per recreation common within the NHL this season at 1.71, skating to a plus-43.
The Lightning had been hit laborious by accidents and lineup absences, however Kucherov was a relentless driver of play. He ended up with 42 extra factors than anybody else on the Tampa Bay roster, together with 36 extra even-strength factors than some other Lightning participant. Tampa Bay completed second within the Atlantic Division with a .646 factors share, its greatest regular-season effort since 2020-21, when the Lightning ultimately misplaced within the Stanley Cup Final.
Kucherov gained the Hart Trophy in 2019. This is his fourth time as a finalist.
MacKinnon, 30, was the most effective participant on the NHL’s greatest crew this season. He led the NHL with 53 targets in 80 video games, profitable his first Rocket Richard Trophy. He additionally led the NHL in plus/minus (plus-57), even-strength targets (42) and pictures on purpose (350). MacKinnon was third within the NHL in factors scored (127) behind McDavid and Kucherov.
The Avalanche gained the Presidents’ Trophy with the NHL’s greatest regular-season file (.738 factors share). MacKinnon had 27 extra factors and 15 extra targets than anybody else on the Colorado roster.
MacKinnon gained the Hart Trophy in 2024. This is his fifth time being a finalist for MVP.
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck gained NHL MVP honors final season.
