Patrick Kane Becomes First American Born Player to Win the Hart Trophy

Chicago Blackhawks forward, Patrick Kane become the first American born player to win the Hart Memorial Trophy as the National Hockey League’s Most Valuable Player on Wednesday night.  

Kane who led the NHL with 109 points took home the Hart Trophy as well as claiming the Art Ross Trophy as the scoring champion during the NHL Awards at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Kane became the first US born player to win both awards. 

Kane went up against Pittsburgh Penguins captain, Sidney Crosby and Dallas Stars captain, Jamie Benn in the battle for the Hart Trophy. Kane received 121 first place votes followed by Crosby’s 11 and Benn’s eight. Kane had 22 second place votes and five third place as well. 

In the other categories; the Vezina Trophy for top goaltender went to Washing Capitals netminder, Braden Holtby, Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings took home the Lady Byng Trophy and the Selke Trophy. The Lady Byng is presented to awarded to the player that shows the most sportsmanship, while the Selke is the best defensive forward in the league. 

Washington Capitals head coach, Barry Trotz, won the Jack Adams Award as the top coach in the NHL. The Jennings Trophy, presented to the goalie tandem that gives up the fewest goals in the league was won by the Anaheim Ducks and goalies Frederik Andersen and John Gibson. Alex Ovechkin won the Rocket Richard Trophy after lighting the lamp more times than any other player. 

Shea Weber from the Nashville Predators, won the Mark Messier Leadership Award, Henrik Sedin took home the King Clancy and Mark Giordano was voted as the winner of NHL Foundation Award. 

Florida Panthers veteran, the ageless wonder, Jaromir Jagr won the Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. 

Besides winning the Hart Trophy, Kane won the NHL Players Association’s Ted Lindsay Award as the most outstanding player. Penguins general manager took home the honors as the best general manager in the NHL. Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin won the Calder Trophy as the rookie of the year. 

EA Sports also announced that St. Louis Blues forward, Vladimir Tarasenko, will be the player that will grace the cover of NHL17. Tarasenko won the fans vote, getting the honors to appear on the cover of the video game.