LAS VEGAS — Nathan MacKinnon was the biggest winner of the NHL awards show.

The Colorado Avalanche forward claimed the Hart Trophy on Thursday inside the Fontainebleau Theater as the most valuable player in the league. MacKinnon won it over Oilers forward Connor McDavid and Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov. He also took home the Ted Lindsay Award.

MacKinnon — a Hart Trophy finalist in three previous seasons (’17-18, ’19-20, ’20-21) — is a first-time MVP and Ted Lindsay Award winner.

“Every player I grew up idolizing has their name on these (awards),” MacKinnon said. “To be a part of that company is surreal. It hasn’t really sunk in. It’s definitely a special thing.”

Hart Trophy & Ted Lindsay Award winner #Avs Nathan MacKinnon: “Every player I grew up idolizing has their name on these things. To be a part of that company is surreal. It hasn’t really sunk in. It’s definitely a special thing.” pic.twitter.com/m49ozjBxM9

— Kyle Fredrickson (@kylefredrickson) June 28, 2024

MacKinnon’s historic 2023-24 season makes him a deserving Hart Trophy winner.

He set a franchise record with 140 points, plus career highs in goals (51) and assists (89). Consistency was his hallmark. MacKinnon led the NHL in even strength points (92) and landed on the scoresheet in 69-of-82 games played (84%). He recorded a 35-game points streak at Ball Arena. Colorado reached the playoffs for a seventh consecutive season.

MacKinnon recalled the home points streak ranked as his favorite moment from the regular season.

“The points streak thing was long,” MacKinnon said. “I was doing the weirdest things before games. My car was dirty the whole year. Wouldn’t clean it, inside and out. Just dumb things that I’d wear. Honestly, when it was over, I was kind of happy. It was nice. … I cleaned my car, finally, to get the smell out.

“The whole city and the fans were behind me.”

MacKinnon is the third Avalanche player in franchise history to win the Hart Trophy — joining Peter Forsberg (2002-03) and Joe Sakic (2000-01). The Hart Trophy is decided by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

MacKinnon dominated the voting margin with 137 of a possible 194 first place votes.

“It could have went to (Kucherov), Connor, Austin (Matthews), a lot of guys,” MacKinnon said. “I’m definitely fortunate that you guys all voted for me. I appreciate it.”

MacKinnon also won the Ted Lindsay Award; given annually to the “most outstanding player in the NHL” as voted on by fellow players. MacKinnon wished a happy retirement to now-former teammate Andrew Cogliano to begin his acceptance speech.

“To have the respect of my peers is amazing. Very humbling. You know, it’s a true team award,” MacKinnon continued. “I’d like to thank my teammates, ownership, the Kroenke family. Management, Joe (Sakic), (Chris MacFarland) and, obviously, my family. I love you guys.”

Greetings from Las Vegas for the NHL awards show. #Avs Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar hit the red carpet together outside Fontainebleau Theater. pic.twitter.com/IKOax0lvdc

— Kyle Fredrickson (@kylefredrickson) June 27, 2024

Norris Trophy

Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, a finalist for the Norris Trophy, did not win the award on Thursday night. Quinn Hughes of the Canucks was honored as the NHL’s best defenseman. Makar finished third in voting behind Predators defenseman Roman Josi and Hughes.