McDavid of Oilers wins Ted Lindsay Award

NASHVILLE --Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers won the Ted Lindsay Award, given annually to the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted by members of the NHL Players' Association, at the 2023 NHL Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Monday.

The 26-year-old center led the NHL in scoring for the third straight season with 153 points (64 goals, 89 assists) in 82 games, the 15th-highest total in a single season. He became the fifth player to lead the League in goals, assists and points in a season (Phil Esposito, 1972-73 Boston Bruins; Wayne Gretzky, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1984-85, 1986-87 Oilers; Gordie Howe, 1952-53, Detroit Red Wings; Howie Morenz, 1927-28, Montreal Canadiens).

McDavid has led the NHL in scoring in five of the past seven seasons, finishing second in the other two.

It's the fourth time he's won the award (2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21), joining Gretzky (five) and Mario Lemieux (four) as the only players to win it at least four times.

McDavid, who helped Edmonton (50-23-9) qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, has won the award in four of the past seven seasons. Teammate Leon Draisaitl won it in 2020-21.

RELATED: [Complete list of NHL Ted Lindsay Award Winners]

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson and Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak were the other finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award, which was voted on before the postseason began.

"Congratulations to 'Pasta' and Erik, two outstanding seasons, it's so fun to watch you guys play," McDavid said accepting the award.

"I want to say thank you to Mr. Lindsay for giving players a voice and all you've done for players in the past and present. I want to say thank you to all the players around the League, this award is obviously voted on by you guys, I've been up here a few times to accept this. I'm so honored I feel like this is the most prestigious award we give out tonight, so thank you guys so much, it's a privilege to share the ice with you guys.

"Lastly to all you hockey fans out there, even you Flames fans: You guys bring the energy to all the buildings across the League, it's special to play in front of you every night. And to all the Oiler fans, Edmonton is a historic place to play, you guys are the most passionate fans in the League and it's a privilege to play in front of you guys. Thank you."

McDavid also won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, which was voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association before the Stanley Cup Playoffs began. He is a three-time Hart winner (2016-17, 2020-21).