The Masterton Trophy may not be awarded directly to the strengths and skills of a hockey player, but it’s one of the more heartwarming awards given out each year.
Masterton Trophy 2016: Jaromir Jagr, Mats Zuccarello and Pascal Dupuis named finalists
The NHL’s perseverance award has been narrowed down to three.
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Each season, the NHL awards a player "who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey." This year, the nominees are Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr, New York Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello and recently retired Pittsburgh Penguin Pascal Dupuis.
Jagr is in his 22nd NHL season at the spry age of 44. He led the Panthers with 66 points on the season, becoming the oldest in league history to hit the 60-point threshold.
Zuccarello sustained a brain contusion during the 2015 playoffs and had problems speaking in the days following his injury. The forward returned to play 81 games in the 2015-16 season, posting a career-high 61 points and 26 goals. He led the Rangers in points this season and was second in goals and assists.
Dupuis played 18 games this season before deciding to retire due to blood clots in his lungs. This season wasn't the first time Dupuis had to deal with the medical injury -- it sidelined him in 2014 as well. Now, Dupuis advises the Penguins organization and players on a regular basis.
Last season, Minnesota Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk was awarded the Masterton for turning around his career in Minnesota after finishing the previous season in the minors.
The winner for the Masterton and the other awards will be announced at the NHL Awards on June 22 in Las Vegas.
See More:
