Photo: Drew Hallowell
In his second full season in the NHL, Evgeny Kuznetsov broke out. The 24-year-old center tallied 20 goals for the first time in his career and led the league in primary assists. He also led the President’s Trophy winning Capitals with 77 points, becoming the first player not named Ovechkin or Backstrom to accomplish that feat in a decade.
Kuznetsov’s big season was not lost on voters. The Chelyabinsk native received one fourth place and one fifth place vote for the Hart Trophy as league MVP. Kuznetsov was one of 23 NHL players to receive a vote.
23 players with Hart votes: pic.twitter.com/2NhIkubtgV
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) June 23, 2016
Please note: a remarkable three different Capitals players placed in Hart Trophy voting including Braden Holtby (fourth overall) and Alex Ovechkin (sixth).
Kuznetsov also placed thirteenth in Lady Byng voting. The Lady Byng award is given to the player “adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.” The award, which typically goes to a well-known, veteran player, has been given to only six different NHLers over the last 11 seasons.
Kuznetsov received two second place votes, four third place votes, four fourth place votes, and four fifth place votes. He was the highest ranked Capitals player.
Byng voting: pic.twitter.com/A6k6Q51lJt
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) June 23, 2016
What a season.
Kuznetsov’s teammate, Nicklas Backstrom, also placed 12th in Selke voting. The Selke trophy is given to the NHL forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game.
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