The NHL announced the three finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy on Friday, recognizing the most valuable player to their team as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. NHL Announcement THN Ranking Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche and Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers earned the nods for their outstanding 2025-26 campaigns. This marks a superstar showdown, with each player posting elite numbers while carrying heavy loads for their clubs.
Last season’s winner, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, became the first netminder to claim the Hart since Carey Price in 2014-15. Now, attention turns to these forwards, all perennial contenders for individual hardware. Here’s how I’d rank them based on individual impact, team context and overall value.
3. Connor McDavid, center, Edmonton Oilers
McDavid once again dominated offensively, leading the NHL in scoring with 138 points on 48 goals and 90 assists. This marked his ninth 100-point season and sixth straight, earning him the Art Ross Trophy for the third time in his career. His speed and playmaking remain unmatched, powering the Oilers through a competitive Pacific Division.
Yet, Edmonton’s depth raises questions about his singular value. Defenseman Evan Bouchard shattered records with 95 points, the most by any blueliner this season and a career high in his seventh year. Forward Leon Draisaitl added 97 points in just 65 games before a late injury sidelined him.
McDavid’s importance is undeniable—he’s the franchise cornerstone—but the Oilers’ scoring wasn’t solely on his shoulders. The team ranked among the league’s top offenses, buoyed by Bouchard’s emergence from the blue line and Draisaitl’s efficiency.
Consider the playoffs: Edmonton’s early exit highlighted broader issues, with McDavid and Draisaitl admitting disappointment in a step back. Still, his regular-season brilliance keeps him in the conversation.
- Key stats: 138 points (1st NHL), 48 goals (top-10), 90 assists (1st)
- Team context: Oilers finished strong but faltered in postseason
- Awards: Art Ross Trophy winner
- Historical note: Ninth 100-point season, elite company with Gretzky, Lemieux
McDavid elevates everyone, but in a loaded Edmonton lineup, he edges third here.
2. Nathan MacKinnon, center, Colorado Avalanche
MacKinnon authored a monster year, claiming the Rocket Richard Trophy with 53 goals while finishing third in league scoring at 127 points. This follows his 2023-24 Hart win after a 140-point explosion, marking his fifth finalist nod.
Colorado’s attack hummed around him, with Martin Necas notching his first 100-point season and Cale Makar again a Norris finalist. The Avalanche boasted stars like Brock Nelson, Gabriel Landeskog, Nazem Kadri and Devon Toews, providing robust support.
MacKinnon’s two-way game shone, blending sniping with defensive reliability. He found the net in clutch moments, helping Colorado secure a deep playoff run potential.
That said, the depth dilutes his MVP case slightly. Necas’s breakout and Makar’s dominance meant MacKinnon wasn’t the lone driver, unlike some peers.
Quotes from Avalanche camp underscore his leadership: “Nathan’s the heartbeat,” per a team source post-announcement.
- Key stats: 53 goals (1st NHL, Rocket Richard), 127 points (3rd), high even-strength impact
- Team context: Loaded roster with Norris-caliber D and 100-point wingers
- Awards: Hart finalist (5th time), prior winner (2023-24)
- Playoff outlook: Avalanche poised for contention with balanced attack
MacKinnon deserves recognition, but teammate talent bumps him to second.
1. Nikita Kucherov, right wing, Tampa Bay Lightning
Kucherov eclipsed 130 points for the second time, finishing with 44 goals and 86 assists in 76 games—second overall in scoring. This is his fifth 110-point season and fourth at 120-plus, cementing his elite status.
What sets him apart: a staggering 42-point gap over Jake Guentzel’s 38 goals and 88 points. Brandon Hagel followed with 36 goals and 74 points in 71 games. No other finalist matched this teammate disparity.
Tampa scored 286 goals, fourth in the NHL, with Kucherov accounting for 45 percent. His on-ice metrics dazzled: first in points per game (1.71), even-strength assists (57) and multi-assist games (25 tied-first).
The Lightning earned their ninth straight playoffs largely through his wizardry, despite roster turnover. Kucherov’s Hart finalist status (third straight, prior win 2018-19) underscores sustained excellence.
In NHL.com’s pre-announcement poll, he topped voting with 10 first-place nods among staff.
- Key stats: 130 points (2nd NHL), 44 goals (8th), +43 (tied-3rd), 40 multi-point games (2nd)
- Team context: 42-point lead over #2 scorer, 45% of team goals
- Awards: Hart finalist (4th time), Ted Lindsay contender
- Milestones: 10th player with multiple 130-point seasons
Kucherov’s outsized role makes him the clear MVP.
The Hart winner, to be revealed soon, highlights the NHL’s offensive renaissance. For Tampa, a Kucherov victory could fuel another deep run; Edmonton and Colorado fans will counter with loyalty. Whichever star claims it, these three defined 2025-26 excellence. Watch the official NHL announcement and full rankings analysis for more. This trio sets the bar high for seasons ahead.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.