Sergei Bobrovsky, who has returned to prominence as one of the NHL’s top goaltenders after three seasons of chronic groin injuries, has been nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy by the Columbus chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.

The award is presented annually to the player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey."

Bobrovsky may well be in line to win his second Vezina Trophy, given annually to the NHL’s top goaltender. He could also be considered for the Hart Trophy, as the NHL’s most valuable player. He leads the league in wins (40), goals-against average (1.99) and save percentage (.934).

But it’s the battles he endured after winning his first Vezina in 2013 — and the dedication he showed in transforming his body last summer — that makes him a strong candidate for the Masterton, too.

“It’s been up and down for me the last few years; I had the problems with my groins,” Bobrovsky said. “But I’m really happy where we are right now, and I’m happy I can come and work every day and enjoy my life and these great moments with my teammates. Without them, I wouldn’t be anybody.”

Over the previous three seasons, Bobrovsky suffered six groin injuries, missing 72 games, or roughly 30 percent of the Blue Jackets’ schedule in that span.

The 2015-16 season was the worst of Bobrovsky’s career. He played in only 37 games and finished with a losing record (15-19-1) for the first time in his career.

“At the end of the season, I told him, ‘You were either hurt, or you were average,’ ” coach John Tortorella said. “That’s not a good combination for what is supposed to be your No. 1 goalie.

“He’s always had an inner confidence, but I think the struggles he went through gave him an inner bite. It wasn’t to me, it was to everybody: `I’m going to show you.’ Because I think everybody was wondering what’s going on with him? It had been a couple of years since he’d played at that high level.”

Bobrovsky changed his offseason workouts in the summer of 2016, becoming leaner and more flexible by dropping a staggering 17 pounds of muscle. He's gone from a fire hydrant to a jockey. It’s made him quicker and taken stress off his joints and ligaments.

“I believed in myself all the time,” Bobrovsky said. “And I’ve got people around me who believe in me, too, who gave me confidence.

“I’m really fortunate that I’m here right now, and I enjoy it and appreciate it.”

Bobrovsky has been a major component in what has been a franchise record-setting season in Columbus, including the franchise’s first 100-point campaign and third Stanley Cup playoffs appearance.

The Blue Jackets are the only club in the league that hasn’t lost three consecutive games this season.

“He’s meant everything to our team,” captain Nick Foligno said. “He’s such a rock back there for us.”

Bobrovsky, 28, has set career highs in wins and shutouts (seven). With his next start — likely Tuesday against Buffalo — he will set a career high with 59 starts.

“He’s been awesome,” Tortorella said. “Awesome.”

Thirty PHWA chapters each nominated a player for the Masterton Trophy.

The award will be presented at the NHL awards show in Las Vegas in June.

Bjorkstrand 'progressing'

Right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand is “progressing,” general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said, and could return to practice as soon as today.

It’s not clear when he’ll return to the lineup. He was hit from behind by Toronto’s Roman Polak in a 5-2 loss last Wednesday. The Blue Jackets have not defined his injury.

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