McDavid, MacKinnon, Kucherov Vie for 2026 NHL MVP

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May 8, 2026

Hart Trophy Finalists Mcdavid Mackinnon Kucherov 2026

Hart Trophy finalists for the 2026 NHL season are Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nikita Kucherov. The NHL announced the three candidates on Friday. All three players are former winners of the award.

Three Past Winners, One Trophy

Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers led the NHL in points with 138 in 82 games this season. McDavid won his sixth scoring title on the strength of that total. McDavid also led all players in assists with 90, doing so for the fifth time in his career. McDavid ranked third in NHL goals with 48, finishing behind Nathan MacKinnon and Cole Caufield.

Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning totaled 44 goals and 130 points in 76 games. Kucherov’s +43 rating ranked among the best in the league this season. Kucherov earned his fourth consecutive season with 80 or more assists. Kucherov is named a Hart Trophy finalist for the third consecutive year. The Tampa Bay Lightning lost multiple defenders to injury this season, and Kucherov carried the offense through those absences.

Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche completed the finalist trio. MacKinnon led the NHL in goals this season, finishing ahead of McDavid in the goal-scoring race. The omission of San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini drew attention around the league. Celebrini posted 115 points this season, setting a Sharks franchise record. Celebrini scored 45 goals at age 19, but San Jose missed the playoffs by four points. Celebrini earned a Ted Lindsay Award nomination from the NHLPA despite the Sharks’ playoff miss.