The NHL has now released the finalists for each of its major awards, culminating with Friday's reveal of the Hart Trophy nominees.

As a first-year member of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association, Yahoo Sports was not granted an official ballot this year, but that doesn't mean we can't get in on the fun.

Hart Trophy (MVP)

Nominees: Connor McDavid (Oilers), David Pastrnak (Bruins), Matthew Tkachuk (Panthers)

This one should be unanimous as McDavid recorded the best season of the new millennium, scoring 64 goals and 153 points. McDavid is the best player in the NHL by several tiers; he’s in a class alone and the only thing that has eluded him is greater team success. We’re now in the stage of his career where we can look toward McDavid fortifying his stellar legacy with a Stanley Cup.