Thornton is NHL’s MVP; Selanne Also Wins Award

San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton won the Hart Trophy as the most valuable player, and Russian sensation Alexander Ovechkin edged Sidney Crosby for the Calder Memorial Trophy given to the rookie of the year during the NHL’s awards dinner Thursday night.

Thornton, the league’s leading scorer, with 125 points from 29 goals and 96 assists, edged Jaromir Jagr of the New York Rangers and goalie Miika Kiprusoff of the Calgary Flames for the league’s most coveted individual award.

Anaheim’s Teemu Selanne skated away with the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

“It’s really a great honor to win this award,” said Selanne, who had 40 goals and 50 assists with the Ducks after reconstructive knee surgery following a career-low 16 goals and 16 assists with Colorado in 2003-04.

Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings won the Norris Trophy -- given to the defenseman of the year -- for the fourth time, edging Scott Niedermayer of Anaheim. Niedermayer won the Norris in 2004.