Sidney Crosby, Sergei Bobrovsky, Connor McDavid named Hart Trophy finalists

Two-time Hart Trophy winner Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday was named one of three finalists for the annual award that goes to the player who is deemed most valuable to his team.

The other finalists are Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid.

Crosby, who was injured in Game 3 of the Penguins series with the Capitals on Monday night, also was a finalist for the award won by Chicago's Patrick Kane last season. A six-time finalist, Crosby previously won the award in the 2006-07 and 2013-14 seasons.

This season, Crosby won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal-scorer with 44 goals, the second-highest total of his NHL career as the Penguins (50-21-11) finished with their best record since 1992-93.

In addition, the Penguins captain ranked second in the league in scoring (89 points) and led the team in power-play goals (14) and shots (255).

Bobrovsky led the Blue Jackets (50-24-8) to their best season in franchise history with an NHL-best 2.06 goals-against average and .931 save percentage. He ranked in the top five in the league in wins (third, 41), shutouts (tied for third, seven), saves (fourth, 1,727) and starts (tied for fifth, 63).

The goalie's 41 wins were a career best and franchise record.

Bobrovsky is also a Vezina Trophy finalist for the NHL's top goaltender and the Blue Jackets' first MVP candidate in their history.

McDavid won the Art Ross Trophy this season as the NHL's scoring leader with 100 points (30 goals, 70 assists), leading the Oilers (47-26-9) into the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2005-06.

In 82 regular-season games, McDavid had one point or more in 59 appearances and ended the season with a 15-game point streak. His 30 multi-point games led the league.

Last season, McDavid was third in voting for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie. He could become just the third player, along with Crosby and Wayne Gretzky, to win the Hart Trophy before he turns 21.

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association voted at the end of the regular season for the Hart Trophy, which is named after a former manager-coach of the Montreal Canadiens. The top three vote-getters are the finalists.

The winner will be revealed June 21 during the 2017 NHL Awards at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.