McDavid, MacKinnon and Kucherov announced as NHL MVP award finalists

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid was named a finalist for the NHL’s Hart Trophy on Friday alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov as he seeks a fourth MVP crown.

The trio of former winners were confirmed as the final contenders for the prestigious accolade following a vote by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Noticeably absent from the shortlist is San Jose Sharks phenom Macklin Celebrini.

The 19-year-old registered a franchise-record 115-point season but missed out after his team failed to reach the play-offs.

McDavid chases NHL history

The Canadian superstar could secure his fourth MVP honour, having previously won the award in 2017, 2021 and 2023.

Victory would see the 29-year-old equal Eddie Shore for the third-most Hart Trophy wins in league history.

Only Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe have claimed the prize on more occasions.

The elite centre led the league in scoring with 138 points, capturing his sixth scoring title in an 82-game campaign.

He was instrumental in securing Edmonton’s post-season berth, tallying 24 points in 14 games while team-mate Leon Draisaitl was sidelined with injury.

MacKinnon and Kucherov state their case

MacKinnon enters the voting conversation after driving the Colorado Avalanche to the best overall record in the competition.

The 30-year-old secured his first Rocket Richard Trophy by netting a league-leading 53 goals.

He also ranked first for plus-minus and even-strength goals during a dominant individual campaign.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay winger Kucherov recorded the second-highest points total of his career to secure his fourth finalist nomination.

The Russian international single-handedly navigated his team through an injury-plagued season, finishing with an NHL-best 1.71 points per game.

The 32-year-old previously took home the title in 2019 and was the undisputed offensive engine for a Lightning side that finished second in the Atlantic Division.