Nathan MacKinnon was awarded two accolades at the NHL Awards on Thursday night at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. The Colorado Avalanche forward earned the Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award.
MacKinnon was announced as a finalist for both awards last month. The Hart Memorial is given to the most valuable player (which is voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association) and the Ted Lindsay is voted on by the members of the NHLPA to "the most outstanding player."
The Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native landed in the No. 2 spot in points with 140, just four behind Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov. He was fourth in goals (51) and third-best in assists with 89 — behind Kucherov and Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid.
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"I honestly never thought I would win these. So very special. Like I said in my speech just every player I grew up idolizing has their name on these things. So, to be a part of that company, is surreal — it hasn't really sunk in and you know, it's definitely a special thing," MacKinnon said after the ceremony. "You know, all the boys helped me a lot and definitely so many people to thank. But it's definitely cool to be a part. It's individual work, but you do feel you're kind of connected to these all time greats, so really cool."
The 28-year-old led the league in shots with 405 and ended the season in the top 10 for plus/minus with a plus-35.
"It's fun to be recognized for the season. The reason, like I said why maybe I did win this, is cause I'm focused on the Cup, I'm not thinking about this stuff, honestly," MacKinnon said. "It's always fun this stuff comes along with it but definitely not the priority. I'd like to get back to winning but obviously it's a fun week chilling with my family and friends."
MacKinnon was a finalist for the Hart Trophy three times in his career but this was his first win. The only other Avalanche player to win the Ted Lindsay Award is Joe Sakic in 2000-01.
"Yeah, I mean, whenever you're in the same company as Joe it's cool and he's here tonight — it's fun to experience a lot of things in my career with him just such a legend and another one of my favorite players growing up so really special," MacKinnon said.
This was the fourth time MacKinnon was a finalist for the Hart Trophy. Kucherov was a finalist for both trophies. McDavid was in the running for the Hart and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews was one of the three finalists for the Ted Lindsay.
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