As the 2024–25 NHL regular season closes, the race for the league’s most prestigious individual award—the Hart Memorial Trophy, given to the Most Valuable Player (MVP)—has narrowed down to three standout names: Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, and Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. These three elite athletes not only powered their teams through a grueling 82-game season but also etched their names among the most impactful forces on the ice this year. The winner of the 2025 NHL MVP award will be announced at the upcoming NHL Awards ceremony, but each finalist has built a convincing case for the honor.
Nikita Kucherov: Offensive Dynamo and Scoring Leader
Leading the NHL in total points this season, Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov once again proved why he is regarded as one of the premier offensive talents in the modern era. Finishing the season with 121 points—comprising 37 goals and an incredible 84 assists—Kucherov claimed the Art Ross Trophy for the second consecutive season and third time in his career. Known for his dazzling puck-handling and elite vision, Kucherov consistently created scoring opportunities and dictated the tempo of games. His ability to elevate the Lightning’s offense, especially during crucial stretches of the season, underscores his MVP credentials. With Tampa Bay securing a playoff spot, Kucherov’s contributions were essential in keeping the team competitive in a stacked Eastern Conference.
Leon Draisaitl: Goal-Scoring Machine with Two-Way Impact
Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl delivered another remarkable season, notching 52 goals and 54 assists for 106 points across 71 games. His dominant goal-scoring performance earned him the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, awarded to the league’s top scorer. While often playing in the shadow of teammate Connor McDavid, Draisaitl’s individual brilliance shone brightly this year. His physical presence, playmaking intelligence, and clutch scoring made him an indispensable asset for the Oilers, especially when McDavid missed time due to injury. Draisaitl also contributed defensively, showcasing his versatility and leadership on both ends of the ice. As Edmonton made a strong push toward the playoffs, Draisaitl was the backbone of their offensive surge.
Connor Hellebuyck: Goaltending Excellence Redefined
The only goaltender among the 2025 NHL MVP finalists, Connor Hellebuyck had a season that solidified his standing as one of the best netminders in the league. Backstopping the Winnipeg Jets, Hellebuyck led the NHL in multiple critical goaltending metrics, including wins, save percentage, goals-against average, and goals saved above expected. His consistency and poise under pressure helped Winnipeg exceed expectations and maintain playoff contention throughout the season. Goaltenders rarely receive Hart Trophy recognition due to the nature of the position, but Hellebuyck’s performance this year was too dominant to ignore. His case for MVP rests on his ability to consistently steal games and elevate a Jets roster that relied heavily on his brilliance between the pipes.
MVP Race Analysis and Historical Context
Historically, forwards have dominated the MVP award, with only a handful of goaltenders—most recently Carey Price in 2015—earning the honor. This year, however, the inclusion of Hellebuyck brings a rare but deserved balance to the conversation. Kucherov, already a Hart Trophy winner in 2019, has the narrative and numbers to win again, while Draisaitl, who won the MVP in 2020, is seeking his second as well. Each finalist represents a different archetype of MVP impact: pure offense (Kucherov), goal-scoring and versatility (Draisaitl), and game-saving goaltending (Hellebuyck).
As anticipation builds for the awards night, the 2025 NHL MVP finalists have not only defined the regular season but have also raised the bar for what it means to be most valuable to one’s team. Whether it’s Kucherov’s offensive brilliance, Draisaitl’s balanced dominance, or Hellebuyck’s goaltending heroics, the Hart Trophy is destined to land in deserving hands.
Stay tuned as the NHL announces the Hart Memorial Trophy winner during the league’s annual awards ceremony this summer.
