Nikita Kucherov’s Historic Hart Trophy Win Unlocks Rare Lightning Feat Last Seen in 1978
Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning has won his second Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player for the 2025-26 season, securing 130 points (44 goals, 86 assists).
This award, combined with teammate Andrei Vasilevskiy’s Vezina Trophy win for best goaltender, marks a historic achievement, as they are the first teammates since Guy LaFleur and Ken Dryden (1976-78 Canadiens) to win both awards in the same season.