Kucherov claims second NHL MVP award in tightest Hart Trophy vote in two decades

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has been named the National Hockey League’s most valuable player for the second time, securing the Hart Trophy on Thursday. The award, determined by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, saw Kucherov finish 10 points ahead of runner-up Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. This margin represents the closest vote for the trophy since the 2001-02 season.

Kucherov’s 130-point performance this season led the NHL with an average of 1.71 points per game. His statistical output included a 104-point surge over a 50-game span and a 42-point advantage over his closest teammate. The consistency of his production underscored his status as the league’s premier offensive threat during the 2025-26 campaign.

The voting results marked a significant deviation from historical norms under the current system. For the first time, all three finalists received at least 25% of first-place votes. McDavid, a three-time Hart Trophy winner, finished second, while Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon placed third in the balloting.

Kucherov’s victory is notable for the interval between his MVP titles. Having previously won the award seven years ago, he joins an exclusive group of players to achieve a seven-year or greater gap between Hart Trophy wins. He follows Jean Beliveau, who won with an eight-year gap, and Sidney Crosby, who recorded a seven-year interval.

The announcement confirms Kucherov’s standing as a central figure in the league’s current competitive landscape. His ability to maintain high-level performance over a prolonged period, evidenced by his point-per-game average, has been recognised by the association’s voting members as the defining metric of his value to the Tampa Bay Lightning.