Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has been named one of three finalists for the 2024-25 Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s most valuable player.

Kucherov is joined by Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The award, voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, is presented to the player “adjudged to be the most valuable to his team.”

Kucherov led the NHL in scoring for the second straight season, posting 121 points (37 goals, 84 assists) in 78 games. He also topped the league in power-play points (46) and finished tied for third in game-winning goals with nine.

This marks the third time Kucherov has captured the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer (2018-19, 2023-24, 2024-25). He previously won the Hart Trophy in 2019 and was runner-up last season. Earlier this week, he was also named a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award, which is given to the league’s most outstanding player as voted by fellow players.

Kucherov posted three point streaks of at least eight games this season, helping lead the Lightning to their eighth consecutive postseason appearance.