NHL announces Ted Lindsay Award finalists: McDavid joined by Kucherov, Celebrini

AtlanticBruinsCanadiensLightningMaple LeafsPanthersRed WingsSabresSenatorsMetropolitanBlue JacketsCapitalsDevilsFlyersHurricanesIslandersPenguinsRangersCentralAvalancheBlackhawksBluesJetsMammothPredatorsStarsWildPacificCanucksDucksFlamesGolden KnightsKingsKrakenOilersSharksScores & ScheduleStandingsPodcastsFantasyNHL OddsNHL PicksPlayoff bracketStanley Cup tiersNHL Draft rankingRed Light NewsletterNHL Playoffs Four-time Ted Lindsay winner Connor McDavid, right, was joined in this year's finalist pool by Nikita Kucherov. Mark LoMoglio / NHLI via Getty Images Share articleThe Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid, Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov and San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini have been named finalists for the NHL’s Ted Lindsay Award, the league announced Tuesday. The award, named for former Detroit Red Wings great Ted Lindsay, is given out each year to “the most outstanding player” as voted on by fellow players, according to its criteria. McDavid has won the Lindsay four times — second to only Wayne Gretzky (five) for most in league history — and led the NHL in scoring with 138 points during the 2025-26 regular season, the second highest total of his career. Kucherov won the Lindsay last season for the second time and finished behind only McDavid in the NHL scoring race this season with 130 points. Celebrini, 19, is up for the honor for the first time in only his second NHL season after he finished fourth in league scoring with 45 goals and 115 points in 82 games for the rebuilding Sharks. Formerly known as the Lester B. Pearson Award before it was renamed in 2010, the Ted Lindsay Award is a companion honor with the Hart Trophy, which is given “to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team” and voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. The two awards are frequently won by the same player in a season, with the players and writers selecting the same winner in 38 of the 55 seasons both were given out. It’s highly possible there is a split winner this season as both awards are expected to be close votes between the top four candidates — the three Ted Lindsay finalists and Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, who won the Lindsay in 2023-24 and led the NHL in 2025-26 with 53 goals, a career high. After back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, McDavid and the Oilers are currently facing a 3-1 series deficit in the first round against the Ducks entering Game 5 on Tuesday night. Kucherov and the Lightning are tied with the Canadiens at two games apiece, while Celebrini and the Sharks missed the playoffs after finishing four points back of the Western Conference’s second wild card spot. The winner of the Ted Lindsay and the NHL’s other awards will be announced in June. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms