Hart Trophy Finalists Announced for the 2025-26 NHL Season

The Hart Memorial Trophy, presented by the NHL since 1960, honors “the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team.” Voters are members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA). The 2025-26 shortlist mirrors the previous season’s trio: Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche) and Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning). All three have previously won the award—McDavid three times, MacKinnon once, Kucherov once—placing them among a small group of repeat finalists.

3 past MVP’s named Hart Trophy finalists, including Connor McDavidNikita Kucherov, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid named finalists for Hart Memorial Trophy as NHL MVPNathan MacKinnon a Hart Trophy finalist for fifth time in his career – Denver SportsBolts Nikita Kucherov finalist for NHL's MVP award: Lightning

• Connor McDavid, 29, Center, Edmonton Oilers – Led the league with 138 points (48 G, 90 A), secured his sixth Art Ross Trophy and entered the voting as a three-time Hart winner (2016-17, 2020-21, 2022-23).

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• Nathan MacKinnon, 30, Center, Colorado Avalanche – Scored a career-high 53 goals and added 74 assists for 127 points, captured the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy and posted a league-best +57 plus-minus. This marks his fifth Hart finalist appearance and his second win (2023-24).

Nathan MacKinnon Voted Hart Trophy Finalist

• Nikita Kucherov, 32, Right Wing, Tampa Bay Lightning – Recorded 44 goals and 86 assists for 130 points, leading the league in points-per-game (1.71) and finishing second in total scoring. He is a three-time finalist and won the Hart in 2018-19.

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• Points: McDavid 138 > Kucherov 130 > MacKinnon 127

Bleacher Report

• Goals: MacKinnon 53 > McDavid 48 > Kucherov 44

Bleacher Report

• Assists: McDavid 90 > MacKinnon 74 > Kucherov 86

Bleacher Report

• Team Records: Avalanche – Presidents’ Trophy (121 pts, .738 %); Lightning – 2nd in Atlantic Division (.646 %); Oilers – 2nd in Pacific Division.

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• Additional metrics: MacKinnon led the NHL in even-strength goals (42) and shots on goal (350); Kucherov posted the highest points-per-game average (1.71); McDavid contributed 24 points in 14 games while teammate Leon Draisaitl was injured.

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The NHL announced Friday that the three finalists were McDavid, MacKinnon and Kucherov, emphasizing that the award reflects regular-season performance and is not affected by playoff outcomes. The PHWA confirmed that ballots were submitted after the regular season concluded, and the top three vote-getters were designated as finalists.

3 past MVP’s named Hart Trophy finalists, including Connor McDavid

Analysts highlighted the omission of San Jose’s 19-year-old phenom Macklin Celebrini, who posted 115 points and was involved in 46.2 % of the Sharks’ 249 goals—second only to McDavid’s 48.9 % league-wide. Some observers argue that his statistical impact warranted finalist consideration. Betting markets also show a close race: Kalshi gave McDavid a 53 % chance, Kucherov 37 % and MacKinnon 12 %, suggesting voter fatigue may influence the final tally.

Celebrini Isn’t Hart Finalist

If McDavid wins, he will tie Eddie Shore for third-most Hart victories (three) behind Wayne Gretzky (nine) and Gordie Howe (six). A second Hart for MacKinnon would place him among a select group with multiple wins, while Kucherov’s potential repeat would reinforce his status as the league’s premier winger. The outcome will shape narratives around individual value versus team success, especially as the Avalanche hold the best regular-season record.

Heavy

The Hart Trophy will be presented at the NHL Honors ceremony in June 2026, coinciding with the announcement of other individual awards. The league will reveal the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award finalists on May 11.

Nathan MacKinnon Voted Hart Trophy Finalist

Sources uniformly list the three finalists; no alternative nominee lists appear. The primary gap is the lack of an official explanation for Celebrini’s exclusion despite his record-setting season.

Celebrini Isn’t Hart Finalist

• “? #NHLAwards The trophy is awarded annually to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team.” — NHL press release (source 10)

Nathan MacKinnon a Hart Trophy finalist for fifth time in his career – Denver Sports

• “Nikita Kucherov, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid are the finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy!” — NHL Media (@NHLMedia) (source 10)

Nikita Kucherov, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid named finalists for Hart Memorial Trophy as NHL MVP

• “Connor McDavid Favored to Win the Hart Trophy Kalshi’s latest probabilities suggest McDavid has a 53% chance of winning the Hart Trophy, followed by Kucherov at 37% and MacKinnon at 12%.” — Kalshi prediction markets (source 11)

Heavy

• “McDavid led the NHL in points (138), scoring 48 goals and assisting on 90 more.” — ESPN (source 8)

Bleacher Report

• “He led the NHL with 53 goals in 80 games, winning his first Rocket Richard Trophy.” — NHL.com (source 5)

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