'It's Not Sexy': Vincent Desharnais and Why He's the Edmonton Oilers Masterton Trophy Nominee
Vincent Desharnais is the Edmonton Oilers Bill Masterton Trophy Nominee.
EDMONTON -- Awards are nothing new for the Edmonton Oilers.
Connor McDavid has been handed several - deservedly so - as has Leon Draisaitl. Both of whom are pursuing the ultimate accolade, the Stanley Cup.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDcSUHbXphY[/embed]
But it must feel good to be at least nominated for an NHL award (I wouldn't know, I've never played in the NHL). Which should make today's nominee announcement a feel good moment for several players around the NHL.
Earlier this morning the Professional Hockey Writers' Association announced the Bill Masterton Trophy nominees - one from each of the 32 NHL teams. The Oilers nominee is none other than Vincent Desharnais.
The Masterton is an annual award given to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game." Desharnais has these qualities in spades.
First of all, he is a seventh round draft pick who has played 70 games in the NHL this season - and just passed 100 career games.
His road wasn't easy. He started in College Hockey then worked his way to the ECHL, then the AHL and now the NHL. Desharnais has gotten to this point, not by being offensive, but by being an effective defensive defenseman. In the press release he said, "everywhere I've been - I've started as the seventh or eighth D-Man. [My game] it's not sexy, but I get the job done."
To work his way up from outside of the roster onto a regular rotation - as a defensive minded player is definitely something he should be proud of.
Congratulations on your nomination Desharnais and keep doing what you are doing.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAwcBJpYgV8[/embed]
Subscribe to Inside the Locker Room for exclusive interviews, as well as sights and sounds from Oilers practices.
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss news, interviews or any other updates on the Oilers.