Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov wins 2025-26 Hart Trophy

One of the premier playmakers in the game is taking home one of hockey’s greatest honors. On Thursday night, the NHL announced that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov is the recipient of the 2025-26 Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player. It marks the second time Kucherov has been named MVP, putting him in an elite class that includes Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin as the only active players to win the Hart twice. Kucherov had some stiff competition to beat out for the honor this year....