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Hart Trophy finalists announced: Favorites and snubs for NHL MVP 2026

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The finalists for the Hart Trophy are out, and the three NHL players could add another MVP award to their trophy case.

Previous winners (listed alphabetically) Nikita Kucherov (Tanpa Bay LIghtning), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche) and Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) were announced as this year’s finalists. McDavid is a three-time winner and Kucherov and MacKinnon won once previously.

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They were the three top scorers in the league in 2025-26 and MacKinnon also led the league in goals. The winner will be announced later.

Here’s what to know about the Hart Trophy (voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association), including projected winner and who was snubbed:

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NHL awards finalists: Who’s up for 2025-26 regular season awards?

The NHL is announcing the finalists for the Hart Trophy and the other major awards. Here’s who is in the running (listed alphabetically):

Hart Trophy finalists

  • Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning: Kucherov finished second in the NHL with 130 points in 76 games – 42 points more than his closest teammate as the Lightning clinched their ninth conseucite playoff berth. Kucherov’s 42-point edge was the second-largest gap between a team’s 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 “Rocket” Richard Trophy. He led the Avalanche (55‑16‑11) 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.

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NHL awards finalists announcement schedule

  • Tuesday, April 28: Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player): Macklin Celebrini, Nikita Kucherov, Connor McDavid.

  • Friday, May 8: Hart Trophy (MVP): Nikita Kucherov, Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid.

  • Monday, May 11: Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award (impact on community, culture or society)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hart Trophy finalists announced. Who will be NHL MVP for 2026?

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