The NHL announced the 2016 Masterton finalists on Sunday, which include Pittsburgh’s Pascal Dupuis, Florida’s Jaromir Jagr and New York’s Mats Zuccarello. The trophy honors the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
The nominations are voted on by local chapters of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA). The top three vote getters are designated as finalists.
Dupuis dealt with blood clots last year that ended his season early. He worked his way back into Pittsburgh’s lineup this year, only to have his season and career cut short by blood clots. He had to hang up the skates due to the risks involved in playing.
He wound up scoring two goals and two assists in 18 games for the Pens.
Jagr broke records this year, continuing to push all-time NHL marks and setting new ones for offense produced at his age. He helped the Florida Panthers to a new franchise record in wins and points. He was the team’s leading scorer at 44, putting up 27 goals and 39 assists. That makes him the oldest player to ever surpass 60 points.
Zuccarello had a frightening injury during the postseason last year, suffering a brain contusion that left him unable to speak. He came back in a big way this season to score 26 goals and 35 assists.
The winner will be announced on June 22 at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas.