The NHL has officially announced the three finalists for the 2025 Hart Memorial Trophy, and Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl has earned a well-deserved nomination. Joining him in the race for the league's Most Valuable Player are Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
This season’s Hart Trophy battle features three elite players, each of whom played a critical role in their team’s success during the 2024-25 NHL season.
Leon Draisaitl’s Dominant 2024-25 Season
Draisaitl once again proved himself as one of the NHL’s most complete and dangerous offensive threats. In 71 games, the 29-year-old center scored 52 goals and added 54 assists for 106 points, earning the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal scorer.
But Draisaitl’s impact went far beyond the stat sheet. He averaged 21:31 of ice time per game, won 54.3% of his faceoffs, and scored 11 game-winning goals, all while leading the charge for the Oilers during a stretch when Connor McDavid missed time due to injury. His ability to step up as the team’s engine during that period is a major reason Edmonton remained a contender throughout the season.
He also scored 36 goals at even strength and added 16 on the power play, proving lethal in all situations. This all-around dominance makes a compelling case for his second career Hart Trophy.
Kucherov Leads NHL in Points for Lightning
Nikita Kucherov captured his second Art Ross Trophy, leading the NHL with 121 points (37 goals, 84 assists) in 78 games. The Lightning star quarterbacked one of the league’s top power plays, contributing 38 power-play points and maintaining his reputation as one of the NHL’s elite playmakers.
While his scoring numbers are unmatched, Kucherov played fewer minutes per game and carried less defensive responsibility than Draisaitl. However, his offensive consistency and ability to drive play make him a legitimate threat to win his second Hart Trophy.
Hellebuyck Carries Jets with Elite Goaltending
Connor Hellebuyck is the lone goaltender among the finalists, but his inclusion is well-earned. The 31-year-old started 62 games for the Winnipeg Jets, posting a 47-12-3 record with a .925 save percentage, a 2.00 goals-against average, and eight shutouts.
Hellebuyck led all NHL goaltenders with 41.6 goals saved above average (GSAA) and backstopped Winnipeg to one of the best records in the Western Conference. He also won the William M. Jennings Trophy and is a heavy favorite for the Vezina Trophy, but his Hart nomination highlights just how critical he was to the Jets' success.
Can Leon Draisaitl Win His Second Hart Trophy?
With voters set to cast their ballots ahead of the 2025 NHL Awards, the debate will continue over who was truly the league’s most valuable player. While Hellebuyck and Kucherov had outstanding campaigns, Leon Draisaitl’s blend of elite scoring, leadership, and clutch performances—especially during McDavid’s absence—could give him the edge.
If Draisaitl wins, it would be his second Hart Trophy, solidifying his status as one of the NHL’s all-time greats and marking another milestone in his storied career with the Edmonton Oilers.