Nathan MacKinnon, the Colorado Avalanche center, has finally achieved the individual accolade he’s been striving for – his first Hart Trophy. After facing a couple of frustrating near-misses, he was voted the NHL’s most valuable player for the 2023-24 season at the league’s annual awards show on Thursday.
The 29-year-old also took home the Ted Lindsay Award, recognizing the most outstanding player as voted by the NHLPA’s membership. MacKinnon reflected on the significance of the recognition, stating, “You do feel you’re connected to these all-time greats. It’s cool to have all the support I do. Couldn’t do this alone.”
MacKinnon had previously finished second in the Hart vote in 2018 and 2020, experiencing the sting of coming close but not quite achieving the coveted title. However, this time, the results were clear. He garnered 137 out of 194 first-place votes from the Professional Hockey Writers Association, surpassing Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov and Oilers star Connor McDavid. His exceptional performance, featuring 51 goals and 89 assists for a total of 140 points, secured his second place in league scoring.
MacKinnon’s journey to victory has been marked by resilience and a focused approach. He shared his perspective on the process of letting go of expectations and outcomes, stating, “Letting go of things and outcomes and different accolades… Definitely very fortunate that you guys all voted for me.”
The awards ceremony celebrated the achievements of several other standout players. Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes took home the Norris Trophy as the league’s top blueliner. Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck claimed the Vezina Trophy as the best netminder, marking his second win after securing the award in 2020.
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard secured the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. Bedard, who finished his freshman season with 61 points, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “There’s a lot of people that go into it… Cool to celebrate it with your teammates and family.”
The NHL also announced other winners during the playoffs. Vancouver’s Rick Tocchet received the Jack Adams Award for the NHL’s top coach. Florida captain Aleksander Barkov, who led the Stanley Cup champion Panthers, earned the Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward.
Other notable awards went to:
* Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin, who secured the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct for the second time.
* Arizona Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram, who received the Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
* New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba, who was recognized with the Mark Messier Leadership Award.
* Islanders counterpart Anders Lee, who won the King Clancy Trophy for leadership on and off the ice and contributions to the community.
* Jim Nill of the Dallas Stars, who received the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award.
* Nikita Kucherov, who claimed the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s top scorer in the regular season for the second time.
* Auston Matthews, who earned the Maurice (Rocket) Richard Trophy as the leading goal-scorer for the third time.
The Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke, Lady Byng, and Masterton trophies are awarded based on votes from the PWHA. The Jack Adams Award is chosen by the NHL Broadcasters Association, while the Vezina Trophy is selected by league GMs.
As the awards ceremony concluded, the spotlight shone on Nathan MacKinnon, the player who exemplified dedication and commitment to excellence, ultimately leading him to his well-deserved recognition as the NHL’s most valuable player.
