Nathan MacKinnon from the Colorado Avalanche emerged as the standout at the NHL awards ceremony on Thursday, claiming both the Hart Memorial Trophy for league MVP and the Ted Lindsay Award for the NHL Players Association's top player. He began the season with a 35-game point streak at home, ranking second all-time behind only Wayne Gretzky.
Gretzky, an eight-time Hart winner and five-time Lindsay recipient, along with Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby, who has won the Hart twice and the Lindsay three times, congratulated MacKinnon on his awards.
Nathan MacKinnon being recognized by the Great One
“That's always pretty cool to see Wayne Gretzky pop up on your phone,” said MacKinnon who had a career-high 140 points this season.
MacKinnon wrapped up the season with 54 goals and 89 assists.
Nathan MacKinnon, instrumental in the Avalanche's Stanley Cup win two years ago, was a finalist for the Hart Trophy for the fourth time and the Lindsay Award for the second, but had never clinched either accolade until now.
MacKinnon's stellar season
After enduring several close calls, the Avalanche center finally secured his first Hart Trophy, awarded as the NHL's most valuable player for the 2023-24 season at Thursday's annual awards show. MacKinnon also claimed the Ted Lindsay Award, recognizing the league's most outstanding player as voted by the NHLPA membership.
He beat out Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers for the Hart and Kucherov and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs for the Lindsay.
MacKinnon garnered 137 first-place votes and 1,740 points in the Hart Trophy voting by the media. Kucherov followed in second place with 50 first-place votes and 1,269 points.
“You do feel you're connected to these all-time greats,” said the jubilant MacKinnon.
“It's cool to have all the support I do. Couldn't do this alone,” he continued.
A long journey for the Hart Trophy
Nathan MacKinnon left a profound mark on the ice with his historic performance. He led all players in even-strength points (92), topped the league in shots on goal (405), and ranked second in power-play points (48). His 35-game streak of earning points at home was the second-longest in NHL history, creating enduring memories at Ball Arena and challenging records set by Wayne Gretzky.
He achieved two 19-game point streaks, the longest in the NHL this season, marking him as the first player in NHL history to accomplish two separate point streaks of at least 19 games within the same year.
MacKinnon's journey to the Hart Trophy has been defined by noteworthy milestones and flashes of brilliance. Since his NHL debut in 2013, he has steadily risen through the ranks.
Early achievements, such as winning the Calder Memorial Trophy for rookie of the year, laid the foundation for a career marked by exceptional performance. His accolades, including the 2020 Lady Byng Award and a fifth-place finish in Hart Trophy voting last season, underscore his consistent excellence.
In his breakout 2017-18 season, he emerged as a finalist for both the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players. With each passing year, he further elevated his performance, guiding the Avs to multiple playoff berths and securing his first Stanley Cup in 2022.
Hughes, Hellebuyck and Bedard bagging awards too
Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks secured the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman, while Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets earned the Vezina Trophy as the best goaltender.
Hughes secured his first Norris Trophy in his inaugural season as captain of the Vancouver Canucks, surpassing two former winners: Colorado's Cale Makar and Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators.
Hellebuyck, who previously won his first Vezina in 2020, edged out Vancouver's Thatcher Demko and Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky for this year's award.
Chicago center Connor Bedard clinched the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. One of the most highly anticipated prospects in recent years, Bedard, last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick by the Blackhawks, led all rookies with 61 points. Despite missing 14 games due to a broken jaw, he topped the charts with 22 goals, and his 39 assists tied for the lead.
Bedard claimed the Calder Trophy ahead of Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber and New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes.
Other big winners
During the playoffs, the NHL revealed its other winners. Rick Tocchet of Vancouver earned the Jack Adams Award as the league's top coach, while Aleksander Barkov, captain of the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, received the Selke Trophy for top defensive forward.
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin captured his second Lady Byng Trophy, awarded to the player demonstrating sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and high playing ability.
Arizona Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram was honored with the Bill Masterton Trophy for his perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Kucherov earned his second Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's top scorer in the regular season with 144 points. Matthews secured the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for leading goal-scorer for the third time with 69 goals.
The NHL draft will take place Friday and Saturday at Sin City's glamorous Sphere auditorium.
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