(New York) Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is one of three finalists for the Hart Trophy, which is awarded annually to the NHL’s MVP.
Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov are the other finalists, as chosen by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
McDavid, who won his third career Hart Trophy last season, finished third in scoring on the Bettman Tour with 132 points (32 goals, 100 assists) in 76 games.
He became the fourth player to amass 100 assists in a single season, and the first since Wayne Gretzky in 1990-91.
PHOTO WILFREDO LEE, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Nikita Kucherov
Kucherov also had 100 assists in 2023-24, in addition to contributing 44 goals, en route to winning the Art Ross Trophy awarded to the league’s scoring champion. His total of 144 points is the second highest in the last 28 NHL campaigns.
PHOTO JAMES CAREY LAUDER, USA TODAY SPORTS ARCHIVES VIA REUTERS CON
Nathan Mackinnon
MacKinnon ranked second in the NHL and set a franchise record with 140 points (51 goals, 89 assists). The Canadian, who was a finalist for the Hart Trophy on four occasions, is trying to join Peter Forsberg (2002-03) and Joe Sakic (2000-01) in the exclusive group of club players who have won this honor.