Here are the 2015 Masterton Trophy nominees for all 30 NHL teams

The Masterton Trophy has typically been the “comeback player of the year” award in the NHL. But the Professional Hockey Writers Association made it clear its contingent this year that it shouldn’t necessarily be voted that way.

Of course, when the award’s definition includes “who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey,” it’s tough not to vote for a player who has overcome injuries and/or personal strife.

There’s a good mix of players overcoming various odds and those who have reached personal milestones among the 2015 class.

The PHWA announced the nominees for all 30 teams on Friday, with the winner revealed June 24 in Las Vegas during the NHL awards.

Coming up, each team's nominee for the Masterton trophy.

Anaheim Ducks - Andrew Cogliano

His ironman streak of 619 games remains intact. Was also Ducks' nominee in 2013.

Arizona Coytes - Shane Doan

Overcame Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever last season, but what the Coyotes captain went through wasn’t known until this year. From his bio:

“Doan was almost immovable while recovering from the bacterial infection, which caused severe headaches, fever and muscle aches. At one point, he spent 18 hours in the hospital undergoing tests including a spinal tap. Even the U.S. government was monitoring the case to see if this was the start of an outbreak in Arizona.”

You can also add captaining a Coyotes side that hopes for the playoffs in October, but are now dreaming of McEichel in June.

Boston Bruins - Patrice Bergeron

Has been Boston’s best player as the Bruins dealt with a rash of injuries that hit their lineup this season, turning what’s typically been an automatic playoff berth into a fight for the postseason.

Buffalo Sabres - Mike Weber

The longest-serving Sabre has watched teammates get traded and the team fall down the standings as GM Tim Murray eyes Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel. When Sabres fans cheered goals by the Coyotes, Weber expressed his frustration after the game.

Calgary Flames - Kris Russell

Back-to-back seasons of career highs in points and broke the NHL's single-season records for blocks. As of Friday, he has 274, 67 more than second-place Roman Josi.

Carolina Hurricanes - Nathan Gerbe

Overcame a back injury that nearly cost him his career and personal tragedy.

Chicago Blackhawks - Scott Darling

One of the great stories of the 2014-15 season. The Blackhawks are Darling’s 12th team in the last five seasons. He’s played in the SPHL, ECHL, AHL and now NHL, all while going sober in 2011.

Colorado Avalanche - Alex Tanguay

For overcoming hip and knee injuries, as well as a broken jaw, thanks to an Alex Ovechkin shot, and posting his eighth career 20-goal season.

Columbus Blue Jackets - Nick Foligno

Nominated for the second straight year, Foligno has set career highs offensively while becoming an advocate for the surgery that his daughter needed after being born with a congenital heart defect.

Dallas Stars - Patrick Eaves

For overcoming a broken foot and a concussion. Was nominated in 2013 while a member of the Red Wings.

Detroit Red Wings - Pavel Datsyuk

For his continuing production and two-way play for the Red Wings.

Edmonton Oilers - Matt Hendricks

For providing veteran leadership on an Oilers team that could use some. He’s also been a big supporter of the Defending the Blue Line charity.

Florida Panthers - Tomas Kopecky

For overcoming a concussion that cost him a spot on the Slovakian Olympic team in 2014 and playing a key role on the team’s fourth line.

Los Angeles Kings - Robyn Regehr

Has stepped in the absence of Slava Voynov and while Alec Martinez was dealing with a concussion. Has averaged over 20 minutes of ice time while being the oldest player on the defending Stanley Cup champions.

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