Aleksander Barkov and Jesper Boqvist nominated for NHL awards

As the NHL regular season draws to a close, the league’s award season is near. Some awards are simply given to league leaders in specific stats. The Rocket Richard is awarded to the top goal scorer, and the Art Ross goes to the points leader. 

Others are more subjective. The Calder goes to the “most outstanding rookie,” while the Hart is the NHL’s MVP award. A select few candidates are nominated for these awards, and those players are voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, or in some cases, NHL General Managers. 

Two trophies are unique in that each NHL team nominates a player from its roster for the award. These are the King Clancy Trophy and the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy. 

Panthers nominee for King Clancy Trophy: Aleksander Barkov

The King Clancy is awarded “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.” 

The Cats’ captain is a worthy contender. Barkov has a multi-year collaboration with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in South Florida. Sasha contributes $1,600 for each goal he nets and $800 for every assist. He also provides the hospital with a suite for every Panthers home game!

Panthers nominee for Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy: Jesper Boqvist

The Masterson Trophy is a bit different from the King Clancy. It is presented to the “player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey." Simply put, it typically means the player who has overcome adversity. 

After joining the Florida Panthers on a one-year deal, Boqvist has worked hard to prove his value, adapting quickly to the new team and showcasing his versatility on the ice. Having played in all situations and matching his career highs with 12 goals and 23 points this season, he gained the confidence of the coaching staff, leading to a two-year contract extension. Not bad for someone on a prove-it deal. 

Boqvist is a fitting nominee, but I think voters would be hard pressed to give the award to anyone aside from the Blue Jackets’ Sean Monahan. The journeyman forward signed with Columbus in the offseason to play with his good friend Johnny Gaudreau.

Unfortunately for Monahan and the rest of the hockey world, Johnny and his brother Matthew were tragically killed by a motorist while riding bikes in New Jersey. Monahan and the rest of the Blue Jackets were forced to play the bulk of this season without their top star and while grieving over the loss of their friend and teammate.