Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Nikita Kucherov won the Ted Lindsay Award as the most outstanding player in the NHL this season.
This is Kucherov’s second time winning the Ted Lindsay after his fellow members of the NHL Players’ Association also voted him as the recipient in 2018-19.
Much like Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, who received the Selke Trophy and King Clancy Trophy, Kucherov received the trophy as a surprise with his teammates and other staff in the room.
The Russian forward was called into GM Julien BriseBois’ office while the rest of the team gathered outside the room with the Ted Lindsay Award.
In BriseBois’ conversation with Kucherov, he suggested there is an award show in Los Angeles and asked Kucherov if he wanted the trophy delivered to him instead of travelling to California.
“What trophy?” Kucherov asked.
“Well, if you win one,” BriseBois replied.
“Oh, which is none,” Kucherov said.
After that conversation ended, Lightning captain Victor Hedman stood in the other room with his teammates and team staff, holding the Ted Lindsay Award.
Kucherov had a big smile on his face as Hedman presented the trophy to him.
“Without you guys, I wouldn’t have this, so thanks a lot to all of you and, you know, the rest of the guys, it really means a lot to me,” Kucherov said to those in the room.
Kucherov is now the confirmed winner of the Ted Lindsay and the Art Ross Trophy after leading the NHL with 121 points. He’s also won the Art Ross Trophy in 2023-24 and in 2018-19.
But Kucherov could still win another award.
Kucherov is also a finalist for the Hart Trophy as “the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team." He also won that award in 2018-19.
Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck are the other finalists for the Hart. The winner for that award will be announced during the NHL’s one-hour show on Thursday, June 12, at 6 p.m. ET.
That said, Kucherov winning the Ted Lindsay could suggest another Hart Trophy win is on the way.
It’s fairly common for the Ted Lindsay winner to receive the Hart Trophy as well. In the last six seasons, the same player won both awards. There have only been separate winners of the awards twice since 2012-13.
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon won both last year. After him, it was Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, McDavid again, Draisaitl and Kucherov.
Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.