Lightning star Nikita Kucherov wins MVP trophy over Connor McDavid in closest vote in 24 years

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov won the 2025-26 NHL Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP award) on June 12, 2026, edging Connor McDavid by just 10 points (1,436 to 1,426) with 72 first-place votes to McDavid's 68, while Nathan MacKinnon finished third with 1,297 points and 52 first-place votes. It is Kucherov's second Hart Trophy, having previously won it in 2018-19. The margin was the closest since José Théodore and Jarome Iginla tied on points in the 2001-02 vote, making it the tightest race in 24 years.