The nominees for the 2016 Bill Masterton Trophy have been announced with some interesting names, and stories, being recognized.
The annual award is given to the NHLer “who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.” Nominees were determined by the various chapters of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA).
Last year’s winner was Minnesota Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk who came over in a mid-season trade and led the Wild to the playoffs.
Here is the full list of 2016 nominees:
Shows up for work every day as the NHL’s leading ironman.
Domi has put together an excellent rookie campaign having overcome his small stature and Type 1 Diabetes.
Has had to fight off another instance of heart problems, tying his career high in save percentage (.911) while backing up Tuukka Rask.
O’Reilly has been everything the Buffalo Sabres could have asked for when they traded for the two-way centre this past off-season.
The undrafted Giordano has developed into a top-pairing defenceman and hasn’t been slowed down by last year’s torn bicep, putting up career highs in goals and points.
The diminutive forward was nominated for the second straight season after not letting his five-foot-five stature slow him down.
Came back after shattering his ankle nearly a year ago to be a reliable contributor on Chicago’s blue-line.
Carried himself well in his first season in Colorado despite being legally blind in his left eye after being caught with an errant stick eight years ago.
Tyutin became just the fourth Blue Jacket to play 500 games with the club, and the Russian has long been a fan favourite in Columbus.
Had hip surgery after leading the NHL in points last season. Spent much time at the Dallas Stars‘ practice facility this past off-season to recover and has shown that last year’s success was no fluke.
Now 37 years old, Datsyuk continues to lead the Detroit Red Wings despite playing through various ailments throughout the season.
On a struggling Edmonton Oilers team, Hendricks can be counted on to do whatever coach Todd McLellan asks of him.
Jagr has been a valuable leader on a young Panthers team, while holding his own on the first line at 44 years old. Has passed Gordie Howe to move into third in all-time scoring.
Was frequently scratched as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers but has rejuvenated his career since being traded to the Los Angeles Kings.
Prosser is being recognized for his affable smile and generous work in the Minnesota community, where he donates time and money to various charities.
Has had to fight through pain and pressure since stepping in to replace Carey Price in what’s been a difficult season in Montreal.
Hutton has been a great teammate off and on the ice for a Nashville Predators team whose starter, Pekka Rinne, wasn’t always in top form this season.
Greene has spent this season on perhaps the NHL’s most quiet shutdown pair with Adam Larsson. Greene was made the franchise’s 11th captain ahead of this season and has played in every game so far for the Devils.
Has been a good soldier in playing for the New York Islanders despite his request to be moved closer to his home to be with his family. The rare case of a player asking for a trade where no hard feelings developed.
Suffered a life-threatening skull fracture and brain contusion when he was hit with a puck last April, but came back to put up an excellent season for the New York Rangers.
Bounced back from a tough 2014-15 season that saw him suffer a dislocated wrist injury to put up a career-high 21 goals this year.
Despite tearing his ACL last year, “Ghost Bear” has been a revelation for the Flyers in his rookie season, setting records and lifting his team near a playoff berth.
Put his family first and retired after suffering from blood clots. He was a heart-and-soul player who left everything on the ice.
Was stripped of his captaincy and responded by putting up yet another stellar season as one of the league’s premier passers.
Has once again shrugged off critics and the young incumbent Jake Allen to stabilize the crease situation in St. Louis.
It took reaching his fourth NHL team, but Stralman has developed into one of the NHL’s most underrated defenders.
Reimer put up with a lot of critics throughout his time in Toronto, but was a good sport all through his time with the Leafs until his trade to San Jose ahead of the trade deadline.
Came back after suffering a gruesome injury when hit in the face by a puck.
Broke his wrist at the 2014 world championships and complications limited the Russian to just three games last season, all of which were in the AHL. Has rebounded nicely to and has proven himself to be reliable asset on a deep Washington Capitals squad.
Leads by example on a young Winnipeg Jets team. Signed an extension to ensure he’ll be around for the foreseeable future.