The time has finally come for the NHL to name the finalists for the league’s most prestigious individual award, as they have announced Connor McDavid (Edmonton), David Pastrnak (Boston), and Matthew Tkachuk (Florida) as the three finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy. The NHL’s version of the MVP award that is handed out in most leagues, the award is given out annually to the player “adjudged to be the most valuable to his team.”
As he continues to become better each year, McDavid took things to a different level during the 2022-23 season. After topping out with 123 points last year, McDavid finished up this season with 64 goals and 89 assists, leading the league in both categories. Not only was this the best season of his career, but also 15th best all-time in terms of points scored, joining the likes of Steve Yzerman, Mario Lemieux, and Wayne Gretzky.
In what would have been his free agency year, Pastrnak also managed the best individual season of his career as well. Playing for the regular season powerhouse, Boston Bruins, Pastrnak scored 61 goals and 52 assists, finishing first in Eastern Conference total scoring. There were also several categories that Pastrnak led the league in, including even-strength goals (43), game-winning goals (13), and total shots on goal (407). His incredible season led the Bruins to sign him to an eight-year, $90 million contract extension that came at this year’s trade deadline.
Finishing off the finalists has been the inspiring performance from Tkachuk on the Florida Panthers. Acquired from the Calgary Flames last offseason, although not leading the league in any offensive categories, the tough forward put together an exceptional season, scoring 40 goals and 69 assists. Although playoff performance is not taken into consideration for this award, Tkachuk essentially willed the Panthers to this year’s playoffs and continues to be their emotional leader as they are on the cusp of the Eastern Conference Final.
The 2023 NHL Awards will take place at the home of the Nashville Predators, Bridgestone Arena, on Monday, June 26th at 8:00 PM ET.
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