Lightning's Nikita Kucherov wins NHL MVP, beating out Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon for 2026 Hart Trophy

Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning has won the 2026 NHL Hart Trophy, awarded to the league's most valuable player. Kucherov claimed his second career Hart Trophy, beating out fellow superstars Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon for the honor. The award recognizes Kucherov's standout performance during the 2025-26 NHL season.