Leon Draisaitl, Connor Hellebuyck, Nikita Kucherov named Hart finalists

Field Level Media|published: Thu 1st May, 12:07 2025

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings

Apr 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) moves the puck against Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (84) during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and Tampa Bay Lightning standout Nikita Kucherov were named finalists for the 2024-25 Hart Memorial Trophy on Thursday.

The award is presented "to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team" and voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Draisaitl, 29, led the NHL in goals (52), tied for third in points (106) and was a career-best plus-32 in 71 games this season. He won the award in 2019-20 and is a two-time finalist.

Hellebuyck, 31, led the league in wins (47), goals-against average (2.00) and shutouts (eight) and was second in save percentage (.925) among goalies to play at least 25 games. The Vezina Trophy finalist as the best goaltender in the NHL is a first-time Hart finalist.

Kucherov, 31, led the NHL in scoring for the second consecutive season with 121 points (37 goals, 84 assists). He won the Hart Trophy in 2018-19 and is a three-time finalist.

--Field Level Media