As the NHL season progresses, the spotlight shines brightly on players who embody the spirit of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game. This year, several nominees for the prestigious Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy have emerged, showcasing their remarkable journeys and contributions to their teams. Among them are Jesper Bratt of the New Jersey Devils, Justin Kirkland from the Calgary Flames, Sean Monahan representing the Columbus Blue Jackets, John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Josh Anderson from the Montreal Canadiens, and Joonas Korpisalo of the Boston Bruins.
Jesper Bratt has been named the New Jersey Devils' nominee for the 2024-25 Bill Masterton Trophy, an honor that reflects his exceptional performance and commitment to the team. At just 26 years old, Bratt is enjoying a career-best season, amassing 88 points (21 goals, 67 assists) as of April 9, 2025. This season, he made headlines on March 22 when he assisted on Nico Hischier's 30th goal, setting a franchise record for most assists in a single season with 61, surpassing the previous record held by Scott Stevens.
"It means a lot," Bratt expressed about his nomination. "It is a very nice recognition, and I am very thankful. I think that it gives me a receipt of what I have done, my hard work, and how much I want this team, this organization, and myself to succeed and get better and better every year. I am very, very thankful and very proud of it."
Bratt's dedication extends beyond the ice; he has not missed a game since April 24, 2022, a testament to his rigorous off-ice regimen. Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe praised Bratt's commitment, stating, "Before you get into the on-ice abilities, what I have come to learn and respect is how committed he is to his craft." His fiancée, Nicole Laud, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Bratt's focus on recovery and nutrition. "His recovery is super important. Every night, it is red light, cold tub, and sauna. Of course, his diet as well. He pays a lot of attention to what he eats. It is all very important to him," she said.
Meanwhile, Justin Kirkland has been nominated by the Calgary PHWA chapter for the same award. Kirkland's journey in the league has been marked by resilience, and this nomination serves as recognition of his efforts and contributions to the Flames.
In Columbus, Sean Monahan has been nominated for the 2025 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, showcasing his embodiment of perseverance and sportsmanship. Monahan's season has been particularly poignant following the tragic loss of his best friend, Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed in a drunk driving incident in August 2024. Despite this personal tragedy, Monahan has excelled on the ice, accumulating 49 points in 48 games before a wrist injury sidelined him temporarily. His leadership has been instrumental in the Blue Jackets' locker room, and he has been a source of support for the Gaudreau family during this difficult time.
"The recognition for something like that, it feels special," Monahan said regarding his nomination. "I’ve never been nominated for that so it’s something that you don’t take lightly." His teammates have praised his ability to uplift the team during challenging times, with Zach Werenski noting, "He plays the game the right way. He’s just an awesome teammate, an awesome leader, obviously a hell of a player."
John Tavares has also been named the nominee for the Maple Leafs. Tavares, a seasoned veteran, continues to demonstrate his commitment to the game and his team, making him a deserving candidate for the Masterton Trophy.
Josh Anderson, the Canadiens' nominee, has experienced a remarkable turnaround this season after a disappointing previous year. Anderson, who struggled with a minus-18 rating last season, has rebounded with 15 goals and 12 assists in 77 games, contributing significantly to the Canadiens' playoff push. After a recent victory over the Detroit Red Wings, Anderson expressed his gratitude for the nomination, stating, "I didn’t expect it by any means. It was obviously a huge honour and I was excited when I got the text last night. It was very humbling and (I’m) very honoured." His performance has been pivotal in helping the Canadiens secure a wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
"It’s encouraging," Anderson said about being recognized as a nominee. "I’ve taken strides in the right direction this year and I just try to bring what I can every night and try to keep taking steps forward and trying to help this team win hockey games any way I can try to do that."
Finally, Joonas Korpisalo has been selected as the Bruins' nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. At 30 years old, Korpisalo has shown remarkable resilience throughout his career, bouncing back from a challenging season with the Ottawa Senators to become a reliable presence for the Bruins. His performance has included a record of 10-10-3 with a 2.98 goals against average and three shutouts this season.
Joe Haggerty, Chair of the Boston chapter of the PHWA, praised Korpisalo, stating, "Joonas showed the kind of determination and perseverance consistent with the Masterton Trophy in bouncing back strongly this season with the Bruins." Korpisalo's commitment extends beyond the rink, as he has actively participated in community service, further exemplifying the values associated with the Masterton Trophy.
With the nominees for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy showcasing their unique stories of perseverance and dedication, the NHL community eagerly awaits the announcement of the finalists. Each player's journey reflects the spirit of the award, honoring those who have faced adversity and continue to excel in the sport they love.
