Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has been named one of three finalists for the 2024-25 Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s most valuable player.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Lightning are on the verge of losing their fourth straight playoff series. Nikita Kucherov’s performance — specifically his inability to score goals — is a big reason for that.

On Friday, the league announced the finalists for the Selke Trophy, which honors the top defensive forward. The three finalists for the award are Aleksander Barkov ( Florida Panthers ), Anthony Cirelli ( Tampa Bay Lightning ), and Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers).