Draisaitl, Hellebuyck, Kucherov voted Hart Trophy finalists
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, and Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov are the three finalists for the Hart Trophy, the league announced Thursday.
The Hart Trophy is presented annually to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team and is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.
Kucherov is also a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award, which is given to the league's most outstanding player, as voted on by his peers. Colorado Avalanche stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are the other finalists for the Lindsay.
Draisaitl (2020) and Kucherov (2019) are looking to win their second career Hart Trophies. Hellebuyck is looking for his first and aiming to become the first goalie to win the award since Carey Price in 2015.
Kucherov led the NHL with 121 points in 78 games this season, securing his third career Art Ross Trophy. He also finished tied for first with 84 assists.
Draisaitl finished tied for third in points (106) and paced all skaters with 52 goals - seven more than second-place William Nylander. Draisaitl also missed 11 games due to injury.
Hellebuyck racked up 47 wins, one shy of matching the NHL single-season record. He also led all goaltenders in goals-against average (2.00), shutouts (eight), goals saved above expected (49.48, per Evolving-Hockey), and finished second in save percentage (.925). His contributions helped the Jets secure their first-ever Presidents' Trophy.
Hellebuyck edged out Draisaitl in theScore's hypothetical ballot.
The winner will be announced in June.