**Nikita Kucherov Named Most Outstanding Player by NHLPA**

TORONTO (June 4, 2025) - The National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) announced today that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has been awarded the 2024-25 Ted Lindsay Award. This prestigious accolade is given annually to the most outstanding player in the NHL as determined by fellow NHLPA members.

This win marks Kucherov's second Ted Lindsay Award; he first received the honor in the 2018-19 season. The talented forward from Maykop, Russia, had an extraordinary season, leading the league with 121 points (37 goals and 84 assists) over 78 regular-season games. This achievement secured him his third Art Ross Trophy for being the top scorer in the NHL.

Kucherov's performance has been historically significant, with 84 assists making him one of only four players in NHL history to record three consecutive 80-assist seasons. Additionally, he led the league in several crucial categories: points per game (1.55), primary assists (56), power-play points (46), and power-play assists (38). His contributions didn't stop there—he finished second in multi-point games (33), tied for fifth in game-winning goals (9), and ranked third among right-wingers in average time on ice (21:11).

The Ted Lindsay Award is unique among NHL accolades as it is exclusively voted on by the players, continuing a tradition that started with the Lester B. Pearson Award in 1970-71. Renamed in 2009-10, the award honors the legacy of Hockey Hall of Fame forward Ted Lindsay, known for his skill, leadership, and pivotal role in establishing the original Players' Association.

Kucherov's teammates in Tampa Bay presented him with the award, underlining the camaraderie and recognition he enjoys within his team. This honor highlights Kucherov's prominent place in NHL history and underscores his exceptional contributions to the game.