Ekman-Larsson has been integral to the success Florida has seen this season both at even strength and on special teams

The nominee from the Florida Panthers for the 2024 Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy is in.

Every year, the Professional Hockey Writers Association chapter for every NHL team nominates a player for the prestigious award.

The Bill Masterson Trophy is awarded annually to the player who “best exemplifies qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey.”

Receiving the PHWA Florida Chapter nomination this season is Panthers defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

After two challenging, injury-plagued seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, the veteran rearguard arrived in South Florida ready for a fresh start.

Finally healthy, OEL joined a Panthers squad poised for a run at the Stanley Cup, but one that was going to need extra depth on the back end.

Throughout the season, Ekman-Larsson has played top pairing minutes and quarterbacked the number one power play but also played on the bottom pairing depending on the health of Florida’s blueline.

Regardless of where he lined up or how many minutes he played, Ekman-Larsson has been the same, positive guy all year, putting in maximum effort while providing solid, reliable play on both ends of the ice.

The winner of the Masterson Trophy will be selected by the PHWA, with the three finalists likely being announced sometime during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  

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