Edmonton Oilers New Jersey Devils winger Taylor Hall has won the 2018 Hart Memorial Trophy for being the most valuable player to his team in the regular season. Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon finished second in voting, only 70 points behind Hall, and an incredible 643 ahead of the third place winner, Selke winner and LA Kings center Anze Kopitar.
The voting was clearly a two-horse race, as only 32 of the 164 voters didn’t put one of Hall or MacKinnon as their first place winner.
Hart Trophy voting breakdown (voted on by PHWA) pic.twitter.com/YHfjiBzr3d
— Sean Leahy (@Sean_Leahy) June 21, 2018
The 22-year-old MacKinnon had a coming out party for the Avalanche this season, finishing with with 97 points in only 74 games. MacKinnon also set a career high in both goals (39) and assist (58) while leading the Avalanche to one of the greatest comeback seasons in NHL history that included a 47-point improvement in the standings, and a playoff berth.
Earlier in the night, Nathan MacKinnon finished second behind Connor McDavid for the Ted Lindsey Award for Most Outstanding Player as voted on by the NHLPA. FWIW, MacKinnon also received one first place vote for the Lady Byng Award for most sportsmanlike player.
At the end of the day, you have to give Hall credit for shooting his shot.
Sup Selena? https://t.co/Ax0b6mUYgH
— Taylor Hall (@hallsy09) November 2, 2017
Trade is one for one: Adam Larsson for Taylor Hall.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 29, 2016
Taylor Hall putting the number one in the one for one.
— Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) June 21, 2018