It's the second time MacKinnon is a Hart finalist; he was the runner-up to Taylor Hall of the New Jersey Devils in 2017-18. MacKinnon would be the third player in Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques history to win the award and first since Peter Forsberg with the Avalanche in 2002-03. Joe Sakic won the Hart with the Avalanche in 2000-01.
"We're spoiled. We see him every day, but obviously the impact that he has for our team, we consider him an MVP candidate and the lots around the league are taking notice of that," Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said.
MacKinnon won the Lady Byng Trophy on Sept. 11. The award, voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, is given annually to the NHL player who best combines sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability.
"I mean there's no doubt there," defenseman Samuel Girard told the Avalanche website. "Nate is like, if he's not the best player, he's not that far. You know he's so good on the ice."
Panarin, who signed a seven-year contract with the New York Rangers on July 1, 2019, tied Pastrnak for third in the League with 95 points (32 goals, 63 assists) in 69 games. The 28-year-old forward ranked first in the League in even-strength points (71) and first among forwards in plus/minus (plus-36). He had at least one point in 54 games, including 28 multipoint games.
"I'm really very surprised to be nominated," Panarin said. "Even after the season was paused, I never even thought I would be nominated for anything so it's very important for me and very surprising for me but it's much more important for my relatives and my loved ones."
Panarin helped the Rangers go 37-28-5 (.564 points percentage) in the regular season. He had one goal and one assist in New York's three-game loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Qualifiers.
"He's been outstanding for us all season," linemate Jesper Fast told the Rangers website. "Coming in, having the pressure, he's been carrying us the whole season with the way he's been playing, both the offensive type of game he has and he's also been taking really good responsibility playing defense and playing all three zones. He's been outstanding for us the whole year, and a very deserving nominee."
Panarin would be the fifth Rangers player to win the award and first since Messier in 1991-92.
Draisaitl, MacKinnon and Panarin were each named finalists for the Ted Lindsay award on July 14. The award is given annually to the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted by fellow members of the NHL Players' Association.
"They're obviously both very special," Draisaitl said. "Huge honor to all of us to be nominated for both awards. It's always great when you get the recognition from your teammates or guys that you go up against on a nightly basis."
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov won the Hart Trophy last season.
The 2020 NHL Awards had been scheduled for June 18 in Las Vegas but were postponed March 25.