NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs’ Matthews wins Hart Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award
Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews picked up the NHL MVP prize and the NHLPA’s outstanding player accolade at the NHL Awards on Tuesday.
Tuesday’s NHL Awards saw the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews pick up the Hart Trophy for the league’s MVP, and the Ted Lindsay Award as the NHLPA’s outstanding player.
The 24-year-old scored 60 goals this season to claim his second Rocket Richard Trophy, and was one of only eight players in the league to break the 100-point barrier with 106, the highest single-season total of his career.
Matthews claims Hart Trophy ahead of McDavid, Shesterkin
While beating Edmonton Oilers centre Connor McDavid and New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin for his first Hart Trophy, Matthews became the first Maple Leafs player to win the Ted Lindsay Award, a vote conducted by the NHL’s players since 1971.
A Hart Trophy finalist in 2021, losing out to McDavid, the Maple Leafs centre secured 119 first-place votes and 49 second-place votes.
“Congrats to Igor, Connor on amazing seasons,” Matthews said in his Hart Trophy acceptance speech. “Like I said before, so much respect for you guys, you guys are incredible at what you do.”
Matthews follows in Patrick Kane footsteps with Ted Lindsay Award win
Meanwhile, he is only the second American-born player to win the Ted Lindsay Award following Patrick Kane in 2016.
“My family, it means the world to me to have you guys here with me, thank you guys for just your unwavering support,” Matthews said in his acceptance speech earlier for the Ted Lindsay Award.
“It just means a lot to be recognised by my fellow peers and the guys that I compete against every single night, battle against. It just means a lot.
“I want to thank the Toronto Maple Leafs, from top to bottom. Management, ownership, coaches, all the staff, every single one of my team-mates, this doesn’t happen without you guys, so thank you.”