Kucherov beat out the Oilers' Connor McDavid and the Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon for the league's most prestigious award. Mark LoMoglio / NHLI via Getty ImagesJune 11, 2026 Updated 7:37 pm EDTTampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov has been named this year’s recipient of the Hart Trophy, which is given to the league’s most valuable player as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. This is Kucherov’s second league MVP honor and fourth time as a finalist after first winning the trophy in 2019.Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid were also finalists for the award. Last year’s winner was Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who received it over Kucherov and Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl.
Lightning Nikita Kucherov wins the Hart Trophy over Connor McDavid by 10 points
This is the closest Hart Trophy vote since 2001-02 when Jose Theodore tied Jarome Iginla on points
(Theodore had more 1st place votes) pic.twitter.com/xbdCPpMLHR
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) June 11, 2026Kucherov was also named a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award, given to the NHL’s most outstanding player as voted by fellow players. McDavid eventually won the Ted Lindsay, beating out Kucherov and San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini.The Russian forward scored 44 goals and registered 130 points in 76 games this season, matching his single-season high for goals in the process. Kucherov led all NHL skaters with 1.71 points per game and finished second in goals, points, even strength points.Jun 11, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
