Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, who grew up in Scottsdale learning the game that made him an NHL star, took a major leap during the NHL’s regular season, picking up the league’s first 60-goal season in 10 years.
Tuesday night, he picked up his first Hart Trophy (writers vote) as 2022 league MVP, plus the Ted Lindsay Award (players vote) as most outstanding player.
Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, last year’s winner, and New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin were the other finalists.
Matthews had 41 goals in 52 games in the coronavirus-shortened 2020-21 season, finishing second in Hart voting.