(Toronto) Oilers forward Connor McDavid, Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson and Bruins forward David Pastrnak are the finalists for the Ted Lindsay Trophy in the National League.
The honor is awarded annually to the NHL Most Valuable Player, as voted by NHLPA members.
Each participated in 82 regular season games.
PHOTO DARRYL DYCK, THE CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Connor McDavid
McDavid became the first skater in 27 years with 150 points, Karlsson became the first defenseman in 31 years with 100 points and Pastrnak finished third in league scoring.
McDavid won his fifth Art Ross Trophy and his first Maurice-Richard Trophy.
Last week, Karlsson was named a Norris Trophy finalist.
The name of the recipient will be announced on June 26 at the league’s gala in Nashville.
The three finalists for the Ted Lindsay Trophy received the most votes from their fellow players in connection with the 2022-23 regular season.
McDavid led the Oilers to second place in the Pacific Division. The 26-year-old striker from Newmarket won his fifth Art Ross Trophy by leading the league with 153 points, 30 points above his career high set last season.
McDavid became the sixth player in history to score 150 points in a single season. He led with 64 goals and 89 assists, setting new career highs. McDavid led the league with 71 power-play points.
A native of Landsbro, Sweden, Karlsson led all defensemen with 25 goals and 76 assists for 101 points, becoming the first defenseman of Swedish descent, and only the sixth defenseman in history to reach 100 points.
He set a career high in goals, assists and points, which placed him 11the rank of pointers.
He was also second in ice time, with over 2,100 minutes.
PHOTO CHARLES KRUPA, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
David Pastrnak
Pastrnak helped the Bruins set an NHL record with 65 regular-season wins and 135 points.
The native of Havirov, Czechia scored 61 goals, 52 assists and 113 points, setting personal bests.
Pastrnak became only the second Czech to score at least 60 goals. The first was Jaromir Jagr, in 1995-96.
Pastrnak also led all skaters in even-strength goals (43).