Devils' Taylor Hall wins Hart Trophy

New Jersey Devils forward Taylor Hall is the 2017-18 NHL MVP as the left-winger has taken home the Hart Memorial Trophy.

This marks the first time that Hall has won the award, and with his first nomination. He was able to beat out Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche and Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings for the honour.

The eight-year pro set career highs in 2017-18 with 39 goals, 54 assists and 93 points.

Hall’s direct importance to his team is what ultimately led to him winning the award. While Kopitar and MacKinnon both performed admirably for their team and led them to the postseason, what Hall did was quite astounding. He finished 41-points ahead of next closest teammate Nico Hischier for the team lead in that category.

It was those offensive contributions which ultimately led the Devils to their first playoff appearance since losing in the Stanley Cup Final in 2012. His great play continued in the postseason where he contributed two goals and six points in five games.

Hall becomes the fifth first overall pick in the last six years to win league MVP honours.

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