VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 23 (UPI) -- Joe Thornton of San Jose has been named winner of the first Hart Memorial Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the National Hockey League this season.
After being traded by Boston in late November, Thornton had 92 points (20 goals, 72 assists) in 58 games, helping the Sharks compile 44 wins, 99 points season and a berth in the Western Conference playoffs.
As the NHL's top scorer with 130 points, Thornton also captured the Art Ross Trophy.
The New York Rangers' Jaromir Jagr won the Lester Pearson Award as the most outstanding player in the league. Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff captured the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender and the William Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals.
Winner of the Calder Trophy as rookie of the Year was Washington's Alexander Ovechkin.
Carolina's Rod Brind'Amour won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward.
The awards were given out Thursday night in Vancouver.
