Nikita Kucherov named Hart Trophy finalist

NEW YORK (April 28, 2019) - Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby, Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid are the three finalists for the
2018-19 Hart Memorial Trophy
, awarded "to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team," the National Hockey League announced today.

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association submitted ballots for the Hart Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters designated as finalists. The winner will be revealed Wednesday, June 19, during the 2019 NHL Awards™ presented by Bridgestone at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Kucherov (41-87-128 in 82 GP) led the NHL with 128 points - the most by any player since 1995-96 - and 87 assists - the most by any player since 2006-07 - to capture his first career Art Ross Trophy and help the Lightning tie a League record for wins in one season (62). Kucherov, who also topped the NHL in power-play scoring (15-33-48), collected at least one point in 62 of 82 appearances (75.6%). That included a League-best 38 multi-point games, highlighted by a pair of five-point performances: Dec. 22 at EDM (1-4-5) and Feb. 18 at CBJ (2-3-5). The 25-year-old Maykop native, who set franchise records for assists and points in one campaign, also broke Alexander Mogilny's single-season NHL record for points by a Russian-born player (76-51-127 in 1992-93 w/ BUF). Kucherov is seeking to become the second player in Tampa Bay history to take home the Hart Trophy, following Martin St. Louis' win in 2003-04.