Florida Panthers forward and NHL legend Jaromir Jagr won the Masterton Trophy for perseverance and dedication to hockey at the NHL Awards ceremony.
Jagr, who turned 44 on Feb. 15, led the Panthers in scoring with 66 points (27 goals and 39 assists). The rink rat helped the club to its best season in franchise history (103 points) and a playoff spot for the first time since 2012. He wasn't in Vegas to accept the award due to the ailing health of his father.
"I am honored to receive the Masterton Trophy," Jagr said in a statement. "Many great players in the NHL with dedication to the game of hockey have earned this award and it is a privilege to be considered one of them. Hockey is my passion and it's why I am motivated every day to play it at the highest level that I can. I would like to thank my teammates, coaches, the entire Panthers organization, the PHWA and the NHL for this honor."
Signed to another one-year contract, Jagr was instrumental in the development of Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau, who are 20 and 23 years old respectively - or younger than Jagr combined.
Jagr won the award over nominees Pascal Dupuis, who was forced to retire from the Pittsburgh Penguins due to health concerns, and New York Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello.
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