by Erik Erlendsson | @Erik_Erlendsson | Like us on Facebook

March 26, 2018

The Tampa Bay chapter of the Professional Hockey Writer's Association has selected Steven Stamkos as the 2018 Lightning nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Stamkos is the Tampa Bay nominee for the second consecutive season and third overall.

The Masterton Trophy is an annual award under the trusteeship of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association and is given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

STEVEN STAMKOS, TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is no stranger the dedication and hard work required to recover from serious injury. From a broken leg to a serious blood clot issue to knee surgery, Stamkos has missed significant time at various points throughout his career. A broken leg in 2013-14 kept him out for four months and cost him a spot on the Canadian Olympic team that won a gold medal. At the end of the 2015-16 season he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder that required surgery to alleviate that kept him out of the final five games of the regular season and through the playoffs up to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals. Then in November, 2016, Stamkos suffered a partially torn meniscus in his right knee that once again forced him to undergo surgery to repair and kept him out for the remainder of the season.

Through it all, Stamkos never let it affect his outlook on things, always coming to the rink with a positive attitude throughout all the rehabilitation he’s undergone, refusing to let it bring him down and maintain perspective.

Coming off his latest major injury and the lengthy rehabilitation to return from the knee surgery, Stamkos returned to form this season as one of the top offensive players in the game. As of March 25, Stamkos sat tied for sixth in league scoring and tied for fourth overall in assists, having established a career high in the category to help lead the Lightning to the top of the standings throughout the season. Stamkos was also one of five Lightning to appear in every game on the season through 75 games. For his dedication to the recovery process, his sportsmanlike attitude and perseverance to get back on the ice, Stamkos is the Tampa Bay chapter nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.