New Era In Nhl: Mvp Lindros Heads List Of Elite
Eric Lindros took his place among hockey’s elite on Thursday when he was named most valuable player in the NHL.
Lindros got 10 of 26 first-place votes in outpolling Pittsburgh forward Jaromir Jagr and Buffalo goalie Dominik Hasek for the award.
“I never thought I’d be snuggling up to the writers,” said Lindros at the league’s award ceremony.
Lindros won over his critics with a solid year as the Flyers returned to the playoffs after a five-year absence. “But I guess I should thank them for their votes.”
At age 22, Lindros is the youngest MVP since 1980, when 19-year-old Wayne Gretzky won for the first time.
Hasek had the consolation of being named best goalie for the second straight year on the strength of a 2.13 goals-against average and an 18-6-3 record. Ed Belfour of Chicago picked up the team award honoring the Blackhwaks’ league-low yield of 2.28 goals a game.
Jagr took home some hardware as well, the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s top scorer.
Quebec, which is moving to Denver next season, had two players win awards. Peter Forsberg was named rookie of the year and Marc Crawford was coach of the year.
Paul Coffey of Detroit was named best defenseman for the third time and Pittsburgh’s Ron Francis was honored as best defensive forward and as the most gentlemanly player.
Pat LaFontaine, a center for the Buffalo Sabres, won the Bill Masterton Trophy for his dedication to the sport and Joe Nieuwendyk of Calgary won the King Clancy Award for leadership on the ice and charitable work off it.
Earlier Thursday, Lindros won the Pearson trophy as MVP as selected by the players.
“I think this trophy (the Pearson) voted on by the players is right there in stature” with the Hart, which is awarded by vote of writers. “To be voted by your peers as the best is an honor I’ll never forget,” Lindros said.
Dubbed The Next One, a play on Wayne Gretzky’s nickname The Great One, Lindros was chosen first overall by Quebec in the 1991 draft. But he refused to play for the Nordiques, sat out the season and forced a 1992 trade to the Flyers.