Rangers forward Chris Kreider nominated for Masterton Trophy
On Monday, the Professional Hockey Writers Association announced New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider as one of their nominees for The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
The award is given out annually to the player that best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication. Each local chapter of the PHWA provided their nominations and the top three will be considered finalists with the award winner being announced during the Stanley Cup Final.
Last season, Colin Blackwell was the New York Rangers nominee. The winner was Philadelphia Flyers Oskar Lindblom after battling back from a cancer diagnosis in 2019.
Chris Kreider nominated for Bill Masterton Trophy
Kreider, 30, is playing in his 10 NHL season and it is his finest ever.
In 79 games he has registered 51 goals and 75 points, all of which are career highs. He also leads the NHL with 26 power play goals.
Kreider has strung together a career season at age 30 and in his 10th year in the NHL, leading the Rangers by a significant margin in goals (50 and counting). Having been a streaky scorer his entire NHL career, Kreider transformed into a consistent producer this season who is just as noticeable without the puck as he is with it. Kreider has been viewed as the Rangers captain without the ‘C.’ Instead, the Massachusetts native has been at the heart of the six-alternate-captain group. After overcoming a blood clot that led to a rib resection in 2017, Kreider has seemingly never taken another game for granted and plays as such.
PHWA
Chris Kreider on scoring 50 goals
On April 12, Kreider became the 4th player in NHL history to score 50 goals for the first time at his age or older. He also became just the 8th player to do so in his 10th season or more.
“I think it’s awesome that he scored 50 goals,” head coach Gerard Gallant said. “It’s too bad we had to lose when he scores his 50th, but hats off to him. It’s an unbelievable season.”
Of course, Kreider being the team guy that he is would’ve rather have had the feat accomplished in a win instead of the 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
“It’s hard after a game like that,” explained Kreider, who is ever a team first guy. “I think it would mean a lot more if we found a way to win the game, but it’s something that I’ll appreciate. It’s just hard to appreciate right now.”
He also added that he’s was glad to get this out of the way and get back to doing what he’s best at– blocking the goalie’s vision.
“We’ve got some absolutely incredible people in that room who were pulling for me and that means the world to me, but put it behind us and everyone can go back to shooting the puck and I can go back to screening the goalie.”
It’s been a special season for a special player who is absolutely loved by his teammates.
Being nominated for this award also shows how much respect the reporters that cover him feel.
NHL Free Agency Primer
Check out The Daily Goal Horn for a look at the top UFA’s that will be available on July 13. From Evgeni Malkin to Marc-Andre Fleury the top names are listed by position and expiring cap hit. Click Here.
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