Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid, Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon, and Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov have been named the top contenders for the Hart Memorial Trophy in the NHL’s latest announcement. This accolade is bestowed upon the player who is considered the most valuable to their team.
McDavid led the league with an impressive 90 assists and 138 points across 82 games, securing his sixth Art Ross Trophy as the top scorer. Meanwhile, MacKinnon claimed the top spot with 53 goals and contributed 74 assists in 80 games, leading the Avalanche to a record-breaking 121-point season and clinching the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular-season team. Kucherov also stood out, leading the Lightning with 130 points (44 goals and 86 assists) in 76 games.
McDavid aims to join the elite group in NHL history with at least four Hart Trophies, alongside Wayne Gretzky (nine), Gordie Howe (six), and Eddie Shore (four). On the other hand, both Kucherov and MacKinnon have previously won the award once each.
In the 2024-25 season, Winnipeg Jets’ goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was the recipient of the award.
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