Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets finished third as a finalist for the Hart Trophy, awarded annually to the player most valuable to his team. The other finalists for the award were Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers and Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Bobrovsky led the NHL with a .931 save percentage as welll as 2.06 goals against average in 63 games played this season. Bobrovsky also tied for third in the NHL in shutouts this season.
Bobrovsky became the first member of the Columbus Blue Jackets to be nominated as a Hart Trophy Finalist for his season. Bobrovsky was the best player on the Blue Jackets roster last season, carrying the team for long stretches and never taking a night off. He was healthy for all 82 games, played in 63, and led the team into President’s Trophy contention.
He was the best player as the team set franchise records with 50 wins and 108 points. He also won a franchise record 41 games during the 2016-17 season. He may not be league MVP, but he’s definitely our MVP.
Congratulations on one hell of a season, Bob. May you get 42 hugs next season.