Nikita Kucherov Makes Strong Case for 2025 NHL MVP

The Race for the MVP

There are a handful of candidates who are actually coming up with a promising case to win the MVP – and it is hard to argue that each pick actually makes a lot of sense to the point that you have to start looking for negatives from the other player to come up with a clear winner. Regardless of your choice, there are really select players who boast a strong chance of claiming the award at season’s end.

Alex Ovechkin and Zach Werenski might have gotten respective considerations as well, had they not been injured in their games as well.

The Nikita Kucherov Case

Let’s start with the facts. Kucherov led the NHL in points with 121, finishing five points ahead of second-place MacKinnon (116), who is the reigning MVP. Scoring at that level in today’s NHL — where defensive systems are tighter and goaltending is elite — is no small feat. Kucherov wasn’t just good; he was dominant.

2024-25 NHL Players Points Total

While teams like Edmonton and Colorado had multiple players in the top 10 in scoring, Kucherov was the sole Lightning representative. That speaks volumes. He was the spark plug, the playmaker, and the finisher — all rolled into one. Tampa Bay had its ups and downs this season, but Kucherov’s consistent offensive production kept them in the playoff race.

Without him, it’s hard to imagine the Lightning staying competitive in an increasingly tough Eastern Conference. Unlike some players who pile up points in hot streaks, Kucherov was remarkably consistent from start to finish. He was a nightly threat — on the power play, at even strength, in overtime. His playmaking and vision have always been elite, but this season he added a level of consistency that MVP voters can’t ignore.

2024-25 NHL Players Assists Total

When we talk MVP, the conversation often gravitates toward goals, flashy plays, and highlight-reel moments. But if you really want to understand a player's value — the kind of impact that shifts the balance of a game — look at the playmakers. Look at the guys who don’t just finish, but create.

And no one created offense this season better than Nikita Kucherov. The Tampa Bay star didn’t just finish among the assist leaders — he tied for the most assists in the NHL this season with 84, sharing the top spot with Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon. Think about that. In a league full of dynamic passers like McDavid, Marner, and Makar, it was Kucherov who consistently found ways to set up his teammates — with creativity, vision, and a next-level hockey IQ.

Kucherov’s assist total isn’t padded by power-play points alone (though he thrives there, too). He creates offense at even strength, in transition, off the rush, and from set plays. No matter the situation, he’s a threat to set up the next goal. This versatility matters. It shows he's not just feeding tap-ins — he's making plays that turn games around.

The Boiling Point

The point has been made across defensemen, forwards, wingers, but we are still yet to make a point against the lone goalie in discussion – Connor Hellebuyck. Both had phenomenal seasons. But when it comes to the definition of "most valuable to his team", there’s a strong case to be made that Kucherov deserves the edge.

The Big Comparison: Kucherov vs Hellebuyck Stats

Let’s start with the numbers. Kucherov led the NHL in points (121) — a staggering total made up of 37 goals and a league-best 84 assists. This wasn’t just a productive season; it was a dominant one. He didn’t just score — he drove Tampa Bay’s entire offensive identity. While Hellebuyck’s numbers are elite in net, Kucherov was single-handedly powering his team’s attack every night.

Hellebuyck was arguably the best goalie in the league this season. But the Hart Trophy isn’t the Vezina — it’s not just about positional excellence. It’s about overall value. Kucherov played 15 more games, led the league in points, assists, and was consistently the most dangerous player on the ice. That’s all while shouldering more time-on-ice pressure, driving play on a team that relied on him for nearly every high-danger chance.

Kucherov wasn’t just good — he was unignorable. Teams game-planned around him. He created plays out of nothing, changed the momentum of games with a single shift, and made his teammates better just by being on the ice. Hellebuyck had a great defensive season, but Kucherov created offense and dictated outcomes, night after night.

Perhaps the biggest question to ponder is how much did help did both players had across the whole season? While Winnipeg had a strong defensive structure, Kucherov carried a top-heavy Tampa Bay team. No other Lightning player cracked the top 10 in league scoring. He wasn’t just the best player on his team — he was the team’s offense.

Capping Off the Kucherov Case

78 games played. Kucherov showed up all season long, rarely missing a night and constantly contributing. His combination of health, high usage, and elite performance gives him another layer of MVP credibility. Hellebuyck was excellent in 63 games, but Kucherov’s impact over a longer stretch of the season matters when evaluating total value.

Both players were elite. But Kucherov’s offensive mastery, league-leading point totals, and irreplaceable role in Tampa Bay’s success make him the most valuable player in the NHL this season. The Hart Trophy isn’t just about who’s great — it’s about who matters most. And in 2024-25, no one mattered more than Nikita Kucherov.

At the end of the day, the Hart Trophy is just another individual trophy – and we all know which one really matters — and both players are gunning for it as well.