Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang, Arizona Coyotes star Clayton Keller, and Chicago Blackhawks goalie Alex Stalock were announced as the 2022-23 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy finalists Tuesday.
The award, voted on annually by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, goes to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey."
Letang suffered a stroke - the second of his career - in late November but slotted back into the Penguins' lineup less than two weeks later. He led the team in ice time (22:14) and hits (7) during his return. Soon after, the 36-year-old spent time away from the Penguins while mourning the death of his father. Letang recorded a four-point performance - including an overtime winner - in his first game back.
Despite the challenging campaign, the veteran blue-liner still led the Penguins in average playing time (24:51) while pacing the team's rearguards with 12 goals and 41 points in 64 contests.
Keller's 2021-22 campaign was cut a couple of weeks short after he was stretchered off the ice with a leg injury in late March 2022. He recovered from surgery in time for the 2022-23 season and recorded a career-high 37 goals and 49 assists while suiting up for all 82 games. His 86 points tied him with Keith Tkachuk for the most in a single season since the Coyotes franchise moved to Arizona.
After being limited to just one NHL game the previous two seasons following a myocarditis diagnosis, Stalock bounced back in a big way in 2022-23. The netminder appeared in 27 games with the Blackhawks, posting a .908 save percentage and 3.01 goals against average while saving 2.98 goals above average at all strengths, according to Evolving Hockey.
The 35-year-old also battled through a concussion and ocular dysfunction this season but was consistently lauded by teammates and coaches alike for his positive outlook.
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price took home the hardware in 2022.
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