MacKinnon gives his pick on the Hart Trophy winner

Speaking on TSN 1050's “Overdrive” on Tuesday, Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon said that he believes the Hart Trophy should go to New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin.

‘I knew he was a free agent so I was kind of watching him with Columbus. What an amazing player,” said MacKinnon. “And then I watched him all season – just from talking to him, really nice guy, so maybe I'm a little biased with that – but that's why I think he should win the Hart this year.”

Panarin, 28, just wrapped up his first regular season with the New York Rangers after signing a massive seven-year, $81.5 million deal with them last summer. His first year with the team couldn't have went any better, as he put up 32 goals and 95 points, which are both career highs, in just 69 games. He was without a doubt the MVP for the Rangers, as the second leading scorer on the team in Mika Zibanejad had 20 less points.

Of course, MacKinnon is being quite humble as he is also a front runner for the Trophy. The 24-year-old had an incredible season himself with 35 goals and 93 points in 69 games. The likely third nominee for the award is the Art Ross Trophy winner Leon Draisaitl, who had 43 goals and an absurd 110 points in 71 games.

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