While the NHL Playoffs are in full steam, the league is honoring some of the best players from the 2021-22 regular season. The three finalists for the 2022 Hart Trophy have been revealed after the voting process from the Professional Hockey Writers Association was completed. Via Frank Seravalli, the three finalists for the top award in hockey are Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, Oilers' Connor McDavid, and Rangers' Igor Shesterkin.

All three enjoyed tremendous seasons this year, helping lead their teams to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The case can surely be made for any of the aforementioned trio, as they all were brilliant in their own ways.

Matthews was the NHL's leading goalscorer this season, scoring 60 goals in 71 games. He was the first NHL player in a decade to score 60 goals in a season, becoming the first player to do it since Steven Stamkos. In total, Matthews recorded 106 points, adding 46 assists to his impressive scoring tally. His 44 even-strength goals led the league, and he added 16 more via the Power Play.

As prolific as Matthews was, McDavid ended the season with 123 points, 17 more than Matthews, and the most in the entire league. McDavid recorded career-highs in goals (44), assists (79), and points (123) this year, while helping the Oilers reach the NHL playoffs yet again. It comes as no surprise to see McDavid earning a spot among the finalists, as he was the heart and soul of the Oilers throughout the season.

Finally, Shesterkin is being shown love for his tremendous season in net for the Rangers. Despite his struggles in the playoffs, Shesterkin is a key reason the Rangers are a playoff team and not picking in the lottery this year. New York's defense is not good, but Shesterkin masks that with his incredible work between the sticks. This year, Shesterkin recorded a league-high .935 save percentage and surrendered the fewest goals per game at just 2.07. He could become the first goalie since Carey Price in 2014-15 to win the NHL's Hart Trophy.