Alexander Ovechkin was not selected for the esteemed accolade
The Bill Masterton Trophy, a coveted award in the NHL, is handed out annually to a player who embodies resilience, sportsmanship, and an unwavering passion for the game of hockey. As the season concludes, we have three contenders who stand out: goaltender Mark-André Fleury of the Minnesota Wild, forward Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche, and forward Sean Monahan of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
One player conspicuously missing from the list is Russian forward Alexander Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin, despite setting a regular season record for most goals scored, didn't make the cut this time around.
Interestingly, the first Western Conference playoff semifinal matchup has been set.
Now, let's dive deeper into our finalists:
- Mark-André Fleury (MIN) is battling it out in his final NHL season at the age of 40. His dedication and grit make him a formidable contender.
- Gabriel Landeskog (COL) has fought off career-threatening knee injuries to make a comeback this season, showcasing exceptional sportsmanship.
- Sean Monahan (CBJ) has made a remarkable recovery after multiple hip surgeries, revitalizing his career with a 59-point season.
In 2021, on the contrary, none of these three players (Fleury, Landeskog, Monahan) took home the trophy. That honor went to Oskar Lindblom of the Philadelphia Flyers, who continued to play despite battling Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
Fast forward to 2025, these contenders are the finalists for the award - the first time all three have been finalists together. It's an extraordinary testament to their determination, perseverance, and unwavering love for the sport.
I, as a fan of hockey, am eager to see who among Mark-André Fleury, Gabriel Landeskog, and Sean Monahan will be awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2025, an annual award given in the NHL to a player who demonstrates resilience, sportsmanship, and a passion for the game. Despite missing out on the trophy in 2021, these three players have faced significant challenges and have, remarkably, found themselves as finalists together for the first time. Fleury, nearing the end of his NHL career, continues to show dedication and grit, while Landeskog has overcome career-threatening injuries and Monahan has made a remarkable comeback after multiple hip surgeries. It is indeed an extraordinary testament to their determination, perseverance, and unwavering love for the sport.
