The Hart Trophy finalists for the NHL MVP 2026 are Nikita Kucherov, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid. These players were the top scorers in the league during the 2025-26 season.
Key points
Hart Trophy finalists announced for NHL MVP 2026
Finalists include Kucherov, MacKinnon, and McDavid
McDavid is a three-time Hart Trophy winner
MacKinnon led the league in goals for 2025-26
Winner announcement date is pending
Tampa Bay LightningColorado AvalancheEdmonton Oilers
Hart Trophy finalists announced: Favorites and snubs for NHL MVP 2026
The finalists for the Hart Trophy are out, and the three NHL players could add another MVP award to their trophy case.
NHL awards finalists: Who's up for 2025-26 regular season awards?
Masterton nominee: Philadelphia Flyers left wing Garrett Wilson
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NHL awards finalists: Who's up for 2025-26 regular season awards?
Masterton nominee: Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha
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NHL awards finalists: Who's up for 2025-26 regular season awards?
Masterton nominee: St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington
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NHL awards finalists: Who's up for 2025-26 regular season awards?
Masterton nominee: San Jose Sharks goalie Laurent Brossoit
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NHL awards finalists: Who's up for 2025-26 regular season awards?
Masterton nominee: Seattle Kraken right wing Jordan Eberle
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NHL awards finalists: Who's up for 2025-26 regular season awards?
Masterton nominee: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh
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NHL awards finalists: Who's up for 2025-26 regular season awards?
Masterton nominee: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson
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NHL awards finalists: Who's up for 2025-26 regular season awards?
Masterton nominee: Utah Mammoth right wing Clayton Keller
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NHL awards finalists: Who's up for 2025-26 regular season awards?
Masterton nominee: Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen
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NHL awards finalists: Who's up for 2025-26 regular season awards?
Masterton nominee: Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Akira Schmid
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NHL awards finalists: Who's up for 2025-26 regular season awards?
Masterton nominee: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin
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NHL awards finalists: Who's up for 2025-26 regular season awards?
Masterton nominee: Winnipeg Jets center Jonathan Toews
Hart Trophy finalists
Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning: Kucherov finished second in the NHL with 130 points in 76 games â 42 points more than his closest teammate as the Lightning clinched their ninth conseucite playoff berth. Kucherovâs 42-point edge was the second-largest gap between a teamâs top two scorers in 2025-26. He previously won the Hart in 2019.
Nathan MacKinnon:, Colorado Avalanche: MacKinnon led the NHL with 53 goals in 80 games to win his first career Maurice âRocketâ Richard Trophy. He led the Avalanche (55â16â11) to a franchise-record 121-point season. He previously won the award in 2024.
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oiers: He led the NHL with 138 points in 82 games to earn his sixth career Art Ross Trophy, tied for the second-most in league history, and guided the Oilers to their seventh consecutive playoff appearance. McDavid previously won the award in 2017, 2021 and 2023.
Who win the Hart Trophy?
Hard to say. All are worthy candidates. MacKinnon could have the edge because of the goal title and Avalanche having the league's best record.
Hart Trophy snub
San Jose's Macklin Celebrini set a team scoring record, finished fourth in points and had the Sharks in the playoff hunt after last-place finishes the previous two seasons. He was a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player) as voted on by fellow players. But falling short of the playoffs probably cost him votes.
NHL awards finalists announcement schedule
Tuesday, April 28:Â Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player): Macklin Celebrini, Nikita Kucherov, Connor McDavid.