Sports
Devils’ Taylor Hall Wins Hart Trophy as NHL's MVP
Eight-year NHL veteran Taylor Hall becomes first player in New Jersey Devils history to win Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to league's MVP
LAS VEGAS, NV – He was the driving force behind the New Jersey Devils’ securing their first playoff berth in six seasons, and on Wednesday evening, Taylor Hall became the first player in franchise history to win the Hart Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the league’s most valuable player at the 2018 NHL Awards at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
The eight-year veteran had career highs in goals (39), assists (54), and points (93) in his second season with New Jersey. This season Hall became only the eighth different player in NHL history to record a point in at least 26 consecutive games as he racked up 18 goals and 20 assists over that period.
“To my New Jersey Devils family – Ray Shero, John Hynes, David Blitzer, Josh Harris, my teammates, I couldn’t be here without you guys tonight,” Hall said on the stage at the Hard Rock after accepting the award. “It truly was a team effort this year and can’t wait to be back with you guys next year.”
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Two years ago, Hall was acquired by the Devils through a trade with the Edmonton Oilers involving defenseman Adam Larsson, who was a former first round pick.
“Thank you to the New Jersey Devils fans over the past two seasons, he added. “It’s been an honor playing for this team and being the first Hart Trophy winner in New Jersey Devils history.”
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Hall congratulated the other nominees on their ‘amazing seasons’ and admitted that it was a close decision.
“It really could have been anyone up here,” Hall suggested. “I’m super interested to see the voting after and see how close everyone was.”
Hall received 72 first-place votes among the 164 ballots cast and garnered 1,264 voting points to beat out Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, who received a total of 1,194 points. Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar finished third in balloting with 551 points.
It marked the closest Hart Trophy race since 2012-13, when Alex Ovechkin (WSH) edged Sidney Crosby (PIT), 1,090-1,058.
Photo used in the lead of the story is courtesy of NHL Public Relations.
