Canadiens award among 3 Masterton Trophy finalists for ‘perseverance, sportsmanship’

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Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price is one of three finalists for the 2022 Masterton Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game” .

After helping the Canadiens reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, the 34-year-old Price suffered numerous setbacks in his return to play.

The franchise’s all-time leader in games and wins by a goalie underwent knee surgery last summer.

The 2015 Vezina and Hart Trophy winner also sought help from the NHLPA/NHL Player Assistance Program in October for substance abuse.

Price, of Anahim Lake, BC, returned to the Montreal net on April 15. It was his first start since July 2021.

New York Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara and Philadelphia Flyers center Kevin Hayes are the other finalists.

Record 1,680 matches per D-man

Chara, 45, set the NHL record for most games played by a defenseman on Feb. 24 in San Jose with a career appearance of 1,652, surpassing Hall of Famer Chris Chelios (1,651), and extended the mark to 1,680 per season. to finish.

Hayes entered the 2021-22 season following the sudden death of his brother, former NHL player Jimmy Hayes, and had to undergo surgery three times to overcome an injury and blood infection to return to the game. formation of the Flyers.

The trophy, voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, has been awarded since 1968.

It is named after Minnesota North Stars player Bill Masterton, who died on January 15, 1968, of head injuries sustained in a game.

Last year’s winner was Philadelphia Flyers winger Oskar Lindblom, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and returned to play in the NHL.

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