Toronto Maple Leafs centre Auston Matthews, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin are the finalists for the 2022 Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player.
The finalists were named Thursday after voting by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Matthews became the first player in a decade to score 60 goals in a season. He broke Rick Vaive’s Maple Leafs franchise record for goals (54) and the record for most goals by an American-born player (55 by Jimmy Carson).
Matthews is a finalist for the Hart for the second year in a row after finishing runner-up last season to McDavid. He is looking to become the first Leaf to win the award since Ted Kennedy in 1955.
McDavid, the league’s top point-getter this season, had career highs in goals (44), assists (79) and points (123).
The Oilers star is a Hart Trophy finalist for the fourth time after winning in 2017 and 2021 and finishing third in 2019. He is looking to become the ninth NHL player to win the award at least three times.
Shesterkin, named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as top goaltender in the league earlier this week, was 36-13-4 with an NHL-best 2.07 goals-against average and .935 save percentage this season.
The Russian is looking to become the first Ranger to win the award since Mark Messier in 1992.
The Hart Trophy debate has attracted attention in recent weeks. Other players considered contenders included Johnny Gaudreau of the Calgary Flames, Jonathan Huberdeau of the Florida Panthers, Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators and Leon Draisaitl of the Oilers.
The winners of all NHL awards will be announced during the Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Final.
