Philadelphia Flyers forward Oskar Lindblom, Dallas Stars defenseman Stephen Johns, and Ottawa Senators forward Bobby Ryan are the three finalists for the Bill Masterton Trophy, the Professional Hockey Writers Association announced Thursday.
The trophy is awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Lindblom was diagnosed in December with Ewing sarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Fans and players around the league rallied around the 23-year-old forward throughout his treatment. Lindblom rang the bell to mark the end of his chemotherapy treatments on July 2 and was able to spend some time on the ice with his teammates.
Johns, who missed nearly two years of action due to post-traumatic headaches, returned to the ice in January. He skated in 17 games with the Stars, recording two goals and three assists. Johns told Sean Shapiro of The Athletic that during his recovery he battled severe bouts of depression.
Ryan entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in November. After returning to the team in February, he opened up about his battle with alcoholism. In his first home game back in Ottawa, Ryan scored a hat trick.
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner won the award last season.
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