Patrick Kane is MVP of the NHL, and it isn't very close.
The Blackhawks star on Wednesday was awarded the Hart Trophy, given to the league's top player, after winning the vote in a landslide. He is the first United States-born player to capture the honor.
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Kane received 121 of a possible 150 first-place votes (1,395 points). Sidney Crosby of the Stanley Cup-winning Penguins (800 points) and Jamie Benn of the Stars (637 points) finished second and third, respectively. Kane, who led the NHL with 106 points, also took home the Ted Lindsay Award, for the league's MVP as voted on by players, so this was pretty much a consensus choice.
It will go down, however, as the MVP season that nearly never was.
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In August, Kane was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in his home near Buffalo, N.Y. The case, which became mired in controversy, overshadowed Blackhawks training camp and extended into the second month of the season. In November, the district attorney's office in Erie County, N.Y., declined to bring criminal charges against Kane, citing a lack of "credible evidence."
Kane was allowed to play for the Blackhawks through the process, amassing a franchise-record 26-game scoring streak along the way. In March, the NHL elected to not suspend Kane, and he went on to play all 82 regular-season games for the Blackhawks, leading them to an eighth consecutive playoff berth.
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His career-high 46 goals were second in the NHL behind Alexander Ovechkin.
The other 2016 regular season award winners:
Vezina Trophy for top goaltender — Braden Holtby, Capitals (140 points).
2. Ben Bishop, Lightning (51 points); 3. Jonathan Quick, Kings (36 points).
Norris Trophy for top defenseman — Drew Doughty, Kings (1,254 points).
2. Erik Karlsson, Senators (1,020 points); 3. Brent Burns, Sharks (619 points).
Calder Trophy for top rookie — Artemi Panarin, Blackhawks (1,258 points).
2. Shayne Gostisbehere, Flyers (955 points); 3. Connor McDavid, Oilers (858 points).
Selke Trophy for top defensive forward — Anze Kopitar, Kings (1,145 points).
2. Patrice Bergeron, Bruins (996 points); 3. Ryan Kesler, Ducks (424 points).
Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship — Anze Kopitar, Kings (817 points).
2. Aleksander Barkov, Panthers (475 points); 3. Loui Eriksson, Bruins (388 points).
Jack Adams Award for coach of the year — Barry Trotz, Capitals (344 points).
2. Gerard Gallant, Panthers (203 points); 3. Lindy Ruff, Stars (75 points).
GM of the Year Award — Jim Rutherford, Penguins (90 points).
2. Brian MacLellan, Capitals (56 points); Jim Nill, Stars (55 points)
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Oh, and Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko will grace the cover of "NHL 17," the most prestigious honor of them all.
