Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, Florida Panthers gritty scorer Matthew Tkachuk and Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak are the Hart Memorial Trophy finalists as MVP for the 2022-23 season, the NHL announced Friday.
McDavid, 26, ran away with the Art Ross Trophy as regular-season scoring champ, putting his name in the same stratosphere as Gretzky, Lemieux, Yzerman and Nicholls with a 153-point season off a career-best 64 goals and 89 assists. The Richmond Hill, Ont., native finished with 25 more points than the next closest player, teammate Leon Draisaitl. He won the Hart in 2021 and 2017.
Tkachuk, 25, led the Panthers in scoring with 40 goals and 69 assists for a personal-best 109 points in 79 games in his first season since his blockbuster trade last summer by the Calgary Flames. He also had a career-high 123 minutes in penalties. The Scottsdale, Ariz., native who grew up in St. Louis was also the All-Star Game MVP after scoring four goals and adding three assists.
Pastrnak, 26, had a tremendous scoring season as well, setting career-highs in goals (61), assists (52) and points (113). The Havirov, Czechia, native was third in overall league scoring, including a league-leading 43 even-strength goals, 13 game-winning goals and 407 shots.
The NHL Awards ceremony is June 26 in Nashville and can be seen on Sportsnet and SN NOW.
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