The Ted Lindsay Award stands as one of the highest honors in professional hockey. This prestigious NHL accolade recognizes the league’s most outstanding player, chosen by fellow members of the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA). Unlike other awards, the Ted Lindsay Award is unique in that it reflects the view of the players themselves. Let’s explore its history, latest finalists, and what makes it so respected among hockey professionals.

The History and Significance of the Ted Lindsay Award

First introduced in 1971 as the Lester B. Pearson Award, the trophy was renamed in 2010 to honor Hall of Famer Ted Lindsay. Famous for his tenacity and off-ice leadership, Lindsay was a champion of players' rights and instrumental in forming the NHLPA. The award celebrates not just skill, but respect from one’s peers—a defining achievement for any NHL athlete.

Unlike the Hart Trophy—which is voted on by professional sports writers—the Ted Lindsay Award is determined by the players themselves. This peer-reviewed process sets the award apart and has created unforgettable moments in NHL history as athletes recognize each other’s excellence and impact on the game.

2024-25 Ted Lindsay Award Finalists

This season, the NHLPA selected three shining stars as finalists:

• Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning): Kucherov led the NHL with 121 points, topping the league in both power-play points and assists. His consistency made him a key force for the Lightning’s continued success. Read more about Kucherov's remarkable season on NHL.com.

• Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche): As last season’s Ted Lindsay Award winner, MacKinnon followed up with another stellar campaign, finishing just behind Kucherov in the league scoring race. His leadership and dynamic play continue to set the bar high. The Athletic covers MacKinnon's pursuit of back-to-back honors.

• Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche): Makar’s historic season as a defenseman saw him net 30 goals and 62 assists. He became the first defenseman since 2009 to score 30 goals. His outstanding performance has placed him among the elite few to be nominated for both the Norris and Ted Lindsay awards. See a full NHL awards tracker including Makar’s achievements on CBS Sports.

How the Award Impacts Player Legacies

Winning the Ted Lindsay Award cements a player's legacy as the most outstanding performer in the eyes of their fellow athletes. Many hockey greats have matched this honor with a Hart Trophy, but for the select few, receiving recognition directly from NHL peers is especially significant. It marks a true sign of respect and celebrates a complete commitment to the sport.

When Will the 2024-25 Winner Be Announced?

The NHL typically announces the Ted Lindsay Award winner during its annual awards ceremony, scheduled each June. As the excitement builds, fans and players alike eagerly await the moment when this year’s most outstanding player receives the ultimate peer recognition.

Conclusion

The Ted Lindsay Award remains the NHL’s purest mark of respect—where elite talent meets peer admiration. With finalists like Kucherov, MacKinnon, and Makar, the 2024-25 contest highlights hockey excellence at its finest. For further insights on the award and this season’s top performers, be sure to visit NHL.com’s coverage of the Ted Lindsay Award finalists and check out The Athletic’s expert analysis. Stay tuned for the announcement to see which superstar earns the respect of their peers this year.