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On Tuesday, the NHL Players’ Association revealed that Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov have been named the finalists for the 2025-26 Ted Lindsay Award.
This accolade is presented each year to the “most outstanding player” in the league, based on votes from NHL players themselves.
McDavid, who is vying for his fifth such honor, topped the NHL in scoring with 138 points and achieved significant career milestones, including 800 assists and 400 goals.
“That’s the least surprising news I’ve encountered today,” commented Leon Draisaitl regarding his Oilers teammate, the superstar, as their squad got ready for a crucial Game 5 face-off at home against Anaheim on Tuesday.
Kris Knoblauch, the head coach, who had indicated McDavid’s participation in the vital match was a game-time call with their team trailing 3-1 in the opening-round series, praised McDavid for raising his performance level during the Oilers’ late-season drive for the playoffs.
Knoblauch stated, “Where should I begin? In terms of output, I think it was his second-best year; he led the NHL in points and had an exceptional latter half or three-quarters of the season. Particularly at the season’s close, when our playoff hopes were hanging by a thread, and we were without Draisaitl, another league star, he genuinely stepped up his game and propelled our team into the postseason.
“Connor receives significant recognition and numerous honors, which he rightfully earns given his skill as a player. Even with his established caliber, this year stood out as one of his finest. He is highly worthy of that distinction.”
Celebrini achieved a new franchise record for the Sharks and ranked fourth overall in league scoring, tallying 115 points during his second professional season.
Kucherov, who secured his second Ted Lindsay Award last season, spearheaded the Lightning’s offense with 130 points and reached the milestone of 1,000 career points more quickly than any other player born in Russia.
The recipient of this honor is expected to be announced at a subsequent date.
Initially, when established for the 1970-71 season, this award was recognized as the Lester B. Pearson Award. Its name was changed in 2010 to honor Hall of Famer Ted Lindsay, who was instrumental in founding the NHLPA.
