New Jersey's Brian Boyle, Florida's Roberto Luongo, and Carolina's Jordan Staal have been named Masterton Trophy finalists, the NHL announced Saturday.
The trophy is awarded annually to "the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey."
At the beginning of Devils training camp, Boyle was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a type of bone marrow cancer. He was able to return to the ice for his season debut on Nov. 1, and recorded 10 goals over his first 25 games, including a memorable one on the night New Jersey hosted 'Hockey Fights Cancer Night.'
Boyle also represented the Devils at the NHL All-Star Game in Tampa Bay.
Luongo dealt with early hand and groin injuries but later helped the Panthers challenge for a playoff spot with his exceptional play. His impact, however, went far beyond the ice following a tragic school shooting in nearby Parkland.
Luongo, 38, overcame injuries to lead the @FlaPanthers’ playoff push, going 12-5-1 upon his return on Feb. 17 – a stretch during which he delivered a heartfelt, unscripted pre-game speech to honor victims of the recent Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/KbpdREPUwA
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 21, 2018
In late February, Staal and his wife, Heather, announced their daughter, Hannah, was delivered stillborn due to a terminal birth defect previously diagnosed by doctors. The Hurricanes co-captain missed only three games and registered 46 points (19 goals, 27 assists) in 79 games while serving in a leadership role within the young roster.
The NHL Awards will be handed out June 20 in Las Vegas.
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