The Masterton Trophy is awarded annually by the PHWA to honor the late Bill Masterton, a player for the Minnesota North Stars who exhibited qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey before he died on January 15, 1968, as the result of an on-ice injury.

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association (PHWA) on Friday announced that forward Jarome Iginla is the Kings' nominee for the 2017 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

In making their announcement the Los Angeles PHWA chapter provided the following on Iginla:

Iginla is one of the most well respected players in the game. His 1,544 career games ranks 13th in NHL history and second amongst active players behind only Jaromir Jagr. Iginla has played 70-or-more games in every full season of his career, showing remarkable durability since his first full year in 1996-97.

His 622 goals rank 16th in NHL history and 1,295 points rank 34th

Iginla spent 61 games of this season on the Colorado Avalanche - the worst team in the NHL - and never outwardly complained about the group's struggles. His teammates and coaches often praised how he pushed his 39-year-old body to compete every game and how he helped the Colorado's bevy of younger players.

The Kings conclude their two-game homestand on Saturday night at STAPLES Center when they host the New York Rangers (FOX Sports West and KABC Radio - 7:30 p.m. game time).