The NHL announced today that forward Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning has been named the league’s 2025‑26 Most Valuable Player, earning the Hart Memorial Trophy for the second time in his career.
A milestone season
Kucherov finished the regular season with 130 points, a tally that not only topped the league in total scoring but also translated to a points‑per‑game average of 1.71, the highest mark across all skaters.
His 42‑point margin over the nearest teammate underscores the breadth of his contribution, while his performance helped the Lightning capture three of the league’s top individual honors, including the Jack Adams Award for coaching and the Vezina Trophy for goaltending.
The recognition places Kucherov among an exclusive group of players who have repeated as MVP, joining a lineage that stretches back to the award’s inception.
Historically, he becomes only the fifth winger ever to achieve multiple Hart trophies, a testament to his blend of skill, vision and durability.
Beyond personal accolades, Kucherov’s ultimate objective remains the Stanley Cup, a prize that has eluded the Lightning despite their recent dominance.
Fans can look forward to seeing his jersey eventually raised to the rafters at Amalie Arena, a tribute that will forever link his name to the franchise’s legacy.