In addition to winning the Hart, Kane also set the record for longest point scoring streak by an American in National Hockey League history.
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With 106 points in the regular season, Kane was already the first American-born player to win the Art Ross Trophy as the League’s leading scorer. The next closest competitor was Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, 595 points behind Kane with only 11 first-place votes.
Panarin, who signed with the Blackhawks in May 2015, led all rookies in goals (30), assists (47), points (77), power-play goals (eight), power-play points (24) and game-winning goals (7) while skating in 80 games.
Although Panarin played seven pro seasons back home before coming stateside, voters didn’t object to his experience, awarding the trophy to a Chicago player for the first time since Patrick Kane won it in 2008.
Beyond the scoring, Benn brings a dynamic physical and competitive edge to the Stars that the league is finally realizing, as evidenced by the Hart Trophy finalist nod this season.
In a statement released by his management company on Wednesday, the four-time major victor says “I’ve come to realize that my health and my family’s health comes before anything else”.
The Mark Messier Award went to Nashville Predators Shea Weber.
Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals has captured his first Vezina Trophy, awarded to the “goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at his position”, as selected by NHL General Managers.
Kings teammate Drew Doughty won the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenceman after being nominated two other times, beating out Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson, who won the award a year ago, and San Jose Sharks blue liner Brent Burns.
Kane was the runaway victor as expected, getting 121 of the 150 first-place votes.
Washington Capitals coach Barry Trotz won the Jack Adams award as the NHL’s coach of the year. Then, the Penguins made a coaching change and under the leadership of Mike Sullivan, Crosby and Pittsburgh turned their season around on route to the Stanley Cup.
The National Hockey League unveiled its 2015-16 NHL All-Star Teams Wednesday shortly after the conclusion of the league’s awards show.
Patrick Kane won the Ted Lindsey Award, which is awarded to the most outstanding player as voted by fellow players.
Panthers right wing Jaromir Jagr won the Bill Masterton Trophy for his sportsmanship as well as his dedication and perseverance to the game.
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Kopitar is the first Kings player in history to win the Selke Trophy as the League’s top defensive forward. Prior to 1981-82, the Vezina was awarded to the goaltender(s) whose team allowed the fewest goals during the regular season, the current criterion for the William Jennings Trophy.
