Forward Jaromir Jagr of the Florida Panthers, forward Mats Zuccarello of the New York Rangers and Pascal Dupuis, who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this season before retiring, were nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey."

Jagr, 44, had 27 goals and 39 assists in 79 games to help the Panthers win the Atlantic Division for the first time, and a division title for the second time in franchise history. He was first on the Panthers in points, second in goals and second with a plus-23 rating. Jagr became the oldest player in NHL history to surpass the 60-point plateau in a season. He was lauded for his work ethic and off-ice mentorship, particularly with linemates Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau.

Zuccarello sustained a fractured skull and brain contusion during the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs and lost the ability to speak for four days. He rehabbed during the offseason and played a career-high 81 games this season. He led the Rangers in points (61) and was second in goals (26), each career highs.

Dupuis was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung in November 2014, and did not play for the remainder of the 2014-15 season. He returned to start the 2015-16 season and had two goals and two assists in 18 games before retiring Dec. 8 because of health concerns; he left two games after falling ill because of the blood clots. Dupuis remains with the Penguins on a daily basis, attending games and providing feedback to the coaching staff and players.