Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov, and Nathan MacKinnon are vying for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL's most valuable player.
The NHL season is coming to a close, and with it, the focus shifts to individual awards. The Hart Trophy finalists are a who's who of the league's top talent, but who will come out on top? , Nikita Kucherov, and are in the running for the prestigious award.
Each player has had an exceptional season, with McDavid leading the Edmonton Oilers in scoring, Kucherov dominating for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and MacKinnon driving the Colorado Avalanche's success. The Hart Trophy is one of the most coveted individual awards in the NHL, recognizing the player who has been most valuable to his team. This year's finalists represent the best of the best, with each player having a significant impact on their team's success.
The voting process considers not just point totals but also leadership, two-way play, and clutch performances in critical moments. Context matters too. McDavid’s Oilers missed the playoffs, yet his 153 points shattered expectations for a team that struggled defensively.
Kucherov’s Lightning, despite roster turnover, remained a Cup contender thanks to his 120-point explosion. MacKinnon’s Avalanche, meanwhile, finished atop the Western Conference, with his 104 points and shutdown performances in high‑leverage games. Voters have historically rewarded pure production, but recent ballots show a growing weight on team impact.
McDavid’s historic point total, despite Edmonton’s early exit, pits him against Kucherov’s ability to sustain elite performance amid roster churn and MacKinnon’s balanced two‑way game that propelled Colorado to the top of the West. The split between raw numbers and contextual value makes this year’s vote one of the most contested in recent memory. Beyond the trophy, the outcome could reshape contract negotiations and market value.
A Hart win bolsters McDavid’s leverage in future extensions, while Kucherov’s accolade would reinforce Tampa Bay’s core as a dynasty contender. For MacKinnon, the award would cement his status as the Avalanche’s franchise cornerstone, influencing both on‑ice strategy and off‑ice branding opportunities. Implications: The winner of the Hart Trophy will be recognized as the league's most valuable player, solidifying their status as one of the top talents in the NHL.
What's next: The NHL will announce the winner of the Hart Trophy at the end of the season. Read at The Hockey News
The Hart Trophy is one of the most coveted individual awards in the NHL, recognizing the player who has been most valuable to his team. This year's finalists represent the best of the best, with each player having a significant impact on their team's success. The winner will not only earn personal accolades but also shape narratives around franchise success, playoff contention, and the evolving definition of value in a league trending toward speed and skill.
The Hockey Newsthehockeynews.comBy Andre Leal May 8, 4:50 PM en
Edmonton hunts for netminding upgrades this summer. San Jose listens on its top draft selection. Two paths, one trade market.
The Athletic frames six Oilers issues, but the real value is disciplined cap and roster scrutiny.
Ruling keeps vehicular homicide case against Sean M. Higgins on track for trial.
Anaheim evens the series with a gritty win, setting up a must-see Game 5.
Vancouver still holds high-value picks and trade chips to flip into franchise talent despite another brutal draft lottery outcome.
After two tough losses, the Minnesota Wild turned the tide against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3, showcasing their physicality and tactical adjustments.
NHL, MLB, NBA, CFL—Sportsnet delivers the fastest scores and deepest coverage you need, all in one place.
Cole Caufield stays composed off ice but faces mounting pressure to end his goal drought for Montreal.
Lindy Ruff singles out veteran players for reshaping Buffalo’s locker room and on-ice identity amid playoff race.
The Vancouver Canucks' search for a new General Manager appears to have a front-runner in Evan Gold.
Henrik and Daniel Sedin could expand their front-office duties, bringing insider expertise to Vancouver's roster strategy.
Sportsnet's Luke Fox breaks down the big questions facing Toronto's GM after another early playoff exit.
Anaheim responds to Game 3 blowout with a resilient performance in Vegas.
Buffalo's crease instability threatens playoff hopes. GM Kevyn Adams faces a pivotal decision.
NHL, MLB, NBA, CFL—Sportsnet delivers the fastest scores and deepest coverage you need, all in one place.
Minnesota’s clutch play outmuscles Colorado, with Kaprizov’s goal a footnote in a series-shifting upset.
The Blues hold three first-round picks and a 3 percent chance to land the top overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery.
Sportsnet's Luke Fox breaks down the big questions facing Toronto's GM after another early playoff exit.
Edmonton hunts for netminding upgrades this summer. San Jose listens on its top draft selection. Two paths, one trade market.
Buffalo eyes a 2-0 series lead over Montreal. Anaheim and Vegas duel in a tight second-round battle. Full update inside.
The Vancouver Canucks' search for a new General Manager appears to have a front-runner in Evan Gold.
The Hockey News Big Show podcast breaks down the Carolina Hurricanes' current series lead and examines their potential for a deep playoff run.
Colorado rallies from three-goal deficit to steal road victory. Only 10th such high-scoring playoff game in NHL history.
Historic division neighbors separated by 400 miles meet in playoffs for first time since late '90s. Here's what decides the heavyweight first-round clash.
