Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews has won the Ted Lindsay Award, given to the most outstanding NHL player, as voted by the players.
The win makes him the first player in Maple Leafs history to earn the honour, and only the second American-born player, with Patrick Kane having won in 2015-16.
Matthews beat out finalists Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers and Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators to receive the award on Tuesday night in Tampa Bay.
"I can't tell you guys enough how humbling it is to win this award, named after the late Ted Lindsay," Matthews said in his acceptance speech. "Roman, Connor, congrats to you guys on amazing seasons. You guys are incredible players and I have a lot of respect for the both of you."
Matthews, who played in 73 of Toronto's regular season-games, was instrumental in helping the Maple Leafs secure a franchise-best 115-point season.
In addition to leading the Leafs in points this season with 106, Matthews led the league in goals with 60 — setting a franchise record which also earned him his second Rocket Richard Trophy in a row.
"My family, it means the world to me to have you guys here with me, thank you guys for just your unwavering support, I can't thank you guys enough," Matthews said. "It just means a lot to be recognized by my fellow peers and the guys that I compete against every single night, battle against, it just means a lot."
Later in the night, Matthews also won the Hart Trophy as league MVP.
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