Craig Anderson's difficult season is ending with some recognition.

The Ottawa Senators goaltender is the 2017 recipient of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, given annually to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

Anderson took multiple leaves of absence to attend to his wife, Nicholle, who was diagnosed with a rare form of throat cancer last October.

The veteran netminder returned at her request when Andrew Hammond suffered a groin injury in the fall, departing again in December to be with Nicholle while she underwent treatment.

Anderson rejoined the Senators after the All-Star break, notching a shutout in his first game back, then helping Ottawa reach the Eastern Conference Final this spring.

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