After an unsatisfying end to the 2015–2016 season when they were eliminated by the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the playoffs, the Chicago Blackhawks were hungry for a victory at the NHL awards. Chicago swept the awards with four trophies coming home, more than any other NHL team on June 22 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Here is a breakdown of the awards.
Calder Trophy — Rookie of the Year
Although many criticized his nomination
alone due to his previous professional experience in the KHL back in his home country of Russia, 24-year-old forward Artemi Panarin accepted the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year. Panarin was nominated alongside Edmonton's Connor McDavid and Philadelphia's Shayne Gotisbehere. Panarin led all rookies in goals, assists and overall points. The last time a Blackhawk won this award was in 2007, and it went to Panarin's line mate, Patrick Kane.Panarin accepted the award from the adorable 9-year-old "Room" star Jacob Tremblay, and accepted the award in English instead of via translator from his native Russian language.
Art Ross Trophy — NHL Points Leader
One of the few awards judged by statistics instead of voting, 27-year-old forward Patrick Kane made history and became the first American-born player to win the award, which is given to the player with the most overall points at the end of the regular season. After a season Chicago Sun Times reporter dubs "extreme," this award was a major victory or Kane and the Blackhawks as a whole. This award helped pave the way for Kane to win two other prestigious awards.
Ted Lindsay Award — Most Outstanding Player
What makes the Ted Lindsay Award so unique is that it is not voted by a board, but of fellow NHL players. Patrick Kane
took home the award and was nominated alongside Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn and Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby. No Blackhawk or American-born player has ever received the Ted Lindsay Award.Kane accepted the award from host Will Arnett and X Ambassadors lead singer Sam Harris. He also congratulated Panarin on winning the Calder as well as his fellow nominees. He thanked his fellow teammates, players, family and girlfriend, Amanda Grahovec.
Hart Memorial Trophy — Most Valuable Player
The most coveted award of the night was saved for last and was given to none other than Patrick Kane
. Kane no doubt deserved the award with statistics incomparable to nominees, Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. Kane is the first Blackhawk to win the Hart Trophy since Stan Mikita in 1968 and the first American-born player to win in the modern NHL era.Kane accepted the award from "Batman" actor Michael Keaton. Kane congratulated his fellow nominees and thanked his best friend and fans of the Blackhawks organization and dedicated the award to his father, Patrick Kane Sr.
Overall, it was a triumphant night for the Chicago Blackhawks. Although none of these trophies are as amazing as Lord Stanley himself, it should hold the team over until Stanley returns to his true home, Chicago.
