RELEASE: McDavid named Hart Trophy finalist

EDMONTON, AB - Oilers captain Connor McDavid has been selected as one of the three finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy, the NHL announced on Friday.

Given annually "to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team," McDavid is seeking the third MVP award of his career (2016-17, 2020-21), having already captured the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy this season as the League's leading scorer with 64 goals and the Art Ross Trophy as its top point producer with 153 points -- the highest total since Mario Lemieux in 1995-96.

McDavid is a five-time finalist for the Hart, having only missed making the final three twice over his career since first being nominated for the award in 2016-17. The 26-year-old can become the fifth player to take home the award at least three times within his first eight NHL seasons after Wayne Gretzky (8), Bobby Clarke (3), Bobby Orr (3) and Alex Ovechkin (3).

The other two finalists for this year's Hart Trophy are Boston Bruins right-winger David Pastrnak and Florida Panthers left-winger Matthew Tkachuk.

The winner will be announced during the 2023 NHL Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on June 26.