Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid steals Hart Trophy

Connor Mcdavid is officially a member of the elite class in the NHL. On Wednesday night, he was ceremoniously handed the Hart Trophy, the league's version of the MVP Award. For the Edmonton Oilers, it concluded a season of validation that their rebuilding process is finally working. For the star himself, it could be the beginning of many more awards in the future as he begins an all-out assault on the record books - despite being just 20 years old.

McDavid wins the Hart Trophy

This was just the second season in the NHL for McDavid, but it was good enough for him to take home his first of what should be many Hart Trophy victories. He led the league in scoring and carried the Oilers back to the postseason for the first time in over a decade. The forward clearly separated himself as one of the biggest stars in the sport, living up to the hype that was only diminished by an injury-shortened rookie campaign.

McDavid became the third-youngest player to ever win the Hart Trophy, only behind Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby (who was a finalist for the award this year) and Wayne Gretzky.

He also beat Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and closed the night by taking home the Ted Lindsay Award, which is voted on as an MVP award by the players. The Oilers are going to be a force so long as McDavid is around.

Other NHL awards

While McDavid was the star of the night, his Hart Trophy coronation was not the only award given out during the league's ceremony in Las Vegas. San Jose Sharks defender Brent Burns rocked a bright purple suit and took home the Norris Trophy for Best Defenseman for the first time in his career. Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron won the Selke Trophy for Best Defensive Forward, the fourth time he has taken home the title in his career.

Other significant awards included the Calder Trophy for Best Rookie (Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews), the Vezina Trophy for Best Goaltender (Bobrovsky), and the Jack Adams Award for Best Coach (Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella).

The night was not really about McDavid or the Hart Trophy or any of the awards, though. Instead, it was about the expansion draft of the Vegas Golden Knights, who unveiled their roster for their inaugural season over the course of the night. Fans entered the night feeling nostalgic about last season and left feeling anticipation about the direction of the NHL for next season.