Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon, New Jersey Devils forward Taylor Hall, and Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar were named the finalists for the 2018 Hart Trophy as the league MVP, the NHL announced Friday.

This year's race was widely considered one of the most open in recent memory, with several candidates worthy of recognition. However, breakout seasons from MacKinnon and Hall, as well as a bounce-back from Kopitar, ultimately won out.

MacKinnon ranked fifth in league scoring with 97 points despite playing in just 74 games, and was the main reason the Avalanche qualified for the playoffs one season after finishing dead last in the standings.

The same can be said about Hall, who led the Devils to the postseason for the first time since 2012 after notching 93 points in 76 games - a run that included a historic 26-game point streak.

Kopitar was the centerpiece of a resurgent Kings team that returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence. The Los Angeles captain finished seventh in league scoring with 92 points and topped all forwards with more than 22 minutes logged per game - a resume that also earned him recognition as a Selke Trophy finalist.

The winner will be revealed at the NHL Awards on June 20 in Las Vegas.

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