Colorado Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon named a Hart Trophy finalist

Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon skates past Blues left wing Jaden Schwartz during an April 7 game at the Pepsi Center. (Andy Cross / The Denver Post)

DENVER — Nathan MacKinnon is one step closer to being named the NHL's most valuable player.

MacKinnon, the 22-year-old Avalanche center, was named one of three finalists for the Hart Trophy on Thursday, along with Taylor Hall (New Jersey Devils) and Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings).

A former No. 1 overall draft pick by Colorado, MacKinnon ranked second in the league this season in points per game (1.31) by recording 39 goals and 58 assists — both of which led the Avs and was a major driver behind the team's 47-point turnaround from the 2016-17…