Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky chooses Connor McDavid ahead of Nikita Kucherov in NHL Hart Trophy race

As the regular season comes to a close, the talk about who will win the NHL MVP award has become the main topic of conversation. Wayne Gretzky has given his clear opinion. The hockey legend has picked Connor McDavid to win the Hart Trophy, putting him ahead of Nikita Kucherov in a close race.

Both players have had great seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning, respectively. Gretzky's evaluation, on the other hand, looks at more than just scoring numbers. It also looks at overall impact, consistency, and leadership; factors that are still important in the 2026 NHL awards conversation.

Wayne Gretzky picks Connor McDavid over Nikita Kucherov in NHL Hart Trophy 2026 race

Wayne Gretzky chooses Connor McDavid over Nikita Kucherov because he is more consistent, a better leader, and has a bigger impact on the whole team. The Edmonton Oilers captain has stayed at the top even though the team has had to deal with injuries and changes to the roster.

McDavid has had a great season with a lot of production and strength. He kept getting the most points in the league even when some of his best teammates weren't there. This showed how valuable he was.

The Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov also has a good chance of winning the MVP award because he scores a lot of points and keeps his average points per game high. People have noticed how important Kucherov has been to the Lightning's success all season long.

Gretzky also talked about other great players in the league, but he made it clear that McDavid's impact goes beyond numbers. In a very close race, his leadership, ability to make plays, and ability to stay calm under pressure set him apart.

This argument adds to the excitement as the NHL playoffs get underway. Since both McDavid and Kucherov are expected to be key players for their teams, how they do in the playoffs could change how people see them before the official Hart Trophy announcement.

In the end, Gretzky's support makes McDavid's case stronger, but the Professional Hockey Writers' Association will make the final decision. The NHL MVP race is still one of the most interesting stories in the league until then.

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