Niklas Kronwall Nominated For 2019 Masterton Trophy

Every year, the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association nominates one player from each team in the league for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

This trophy is an awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

The Detroit Red Wings nominee for the 2018-19 season is Niklas Kronwall.

Kronwall is the obvious choice here given his age and history with injuries. After missing the start of the season, Kronwall went on to play in 73 games (and counting), putting up three goals and 23 points at the ripe age of 38.

His knee injuries have been no secret, but the veteran defenseman continues to play nearly 20-minutes a night. His game isn’t fast anymore, but it’s sure as hell smart and he’s one of the greatest leaders on a team with lots of young players. Of all the Red Wings on the roster this year, he’s certainly the one who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game of hockey.

Though Kronwall is deserving of this award in the context of just the Red Wings, the Masterton is pretty much Robin Lehner’s to lose. Lehner’s story of overcoming intense mental health and addiction issues to lead the New York Islanders to the playoffs is an inspiring one. He’ll surely be the winner when it’s all said and done.

That doesn’t take anything away from Kronner’s dedication, though. This nomination is very well deserved.