Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche is vying for the Ted Lindsay Award, competing against teammate Cale Makar and Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov. MacKinnon, the reigning Hart Trophy winner, finished the season with 116 points, tying Kucherov for the NHL assist lead with 84. Makar, a first-time finalist for the Lindsay Award, had an impressive season as well, leading all defensemen with 30 goals and 92 points.

Kucherov, who claimed the Art Ross Trophy for the second consecutive year after leading the league in scoring with 121 points, round out the competition for this prestigious award, which recognizes the league's most outstanding player as voted by fellow players.