Kane's Hart Trophy Snaps 91-Year American, 48-Year Franchise Droughts

Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane became the first American-born player to win the NHL's most prestigious individual award, the Hart Trophy, since Billy Burch last accomplished the feat in 1925, per Sportsnet Stats.

The league's newly deemed most valuable player led the NHL in points (106) and finished second in goals scored (46). When Burch won the award 91 years ago, he totaled 27 points (20 goals and seven assists) in 27 games for the Hamilton Tigers.

According to Sportsnet Stats, Kane accumulated 121 of 150 possible first-place votes. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby and Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn received 11 and eight first-place votes, respectively. 

Kane's honor also snapped a 48-year franchise drought without the trophy. The American standout became the first Blackhawk to claim the trophy since Stan Mikita in 1968, per Sportsnet Stats.

In addition to the Hart Trophy, Kane added both the Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding regular-season player) and the Art Ross Trophy (points leader) to his jam-packed hardware collection. 

Kane previously won the Calder Memorial Trophy (for rookie of the year) in 2007-08, later adding a Conn Smythe Trophy (MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs) after the Blackhawks' championship run in 2013.