Hart finalists: Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Nikita Kucherov

Field Level Media|published: Fri 8th May, 13:08 2026

Apr 13, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) and Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon (29) battle in a face-off during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Connor McDavid has the opportunity to capture his fourth career Hart Memorial Trophy.

The Edmonton Oilers captain was named as a finalist on Friday along with Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita.

The trophy is presented annually to the NHL player voted as most valuable to his team by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The winner will be announced at a later date.

All three players previously have won the Hart Trophy. McDavid captured the honor in 2016-17, 2020-21 and 2022-23, MacKinnon won it in 2023-24 and Kucherov claimed it in 2018-19.

McDavid, 29, led the NHL in assists (90) and points (138) while playing in all 82 games this season. He is a seven-time finalist for the award.

MacKinnon, 30, led the league in both goals (53) and rating (plus-57) this season to go along with 74 assists and 127 points. He is a five-time finalist for the Hart Trophy.

Kucherov, 32, finished second in the NHL in both assists (86) and points (130) to go along with a plus-43 rating in 76 games this season.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck won the Hart Trophy last season.

--Field Level Media

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