The Detroit chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association's unanimously voted Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg as the nominee for the 2017 Bill Masterton Trophy, which recognizes perseverance and dedication to hockey.
Each team has a nominee, and the list will be narrowed down to three names. The winner will be announced during the NHL Awards in June following the season.
Zetterberg, 36, has enjoyed a bounce-back season for the Red Wings and has been one of the bright spots for the team which is slated to miss the playoffs for the first time in a quarter-century. He has 60 points in 72 games played (15 G, 45 A), and is slated to play his 1,000th career NHL game on April 9th, which coincidently will be the final game at Joe Louis Arena.
He's regularly battled a lingering back issue for years now. He underwent back surgery in 2014 appeared to be tapering off in his production. But though the team has disappointed this season, Zetterberg has excelled on the ice and has been one of the few consistencies for one of the worst offensive teams in hockey.
If he wins, Zetterberg will be the third Red Wings player to win the award, joining Brad Park in 1984 and Steve Yzerman in 2003.
