Sidney Crosby Chosen as Penguins Masterton Nominee
This is the Pittsburgh Penguins captain's second career nomination for the Masterton Trophy.
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association has nominated Sidney Crosby as this year’s Masterton Trophy nominee for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This is Crosby’s second career nomination for the Masterton Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL player who best displays perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Every NHL team gets a nominee, and the Penguins had a clear choice in this year’s selection. Crosby is putting together one of the best seasons ever by a 36-year-old and is doing everything he can to pull the Penguins into the postseason. Through 76 games, Crosby has 39 goals and 45 assists for 84 points.
Without the recent stretch from Crosby where he put up 15 points in six games, the Penguins probably aren’t in the position they are in right now. Despite a tough year, the Penguins are just two points out of a playoff spot.
The Masterton Trophy usually goes to the NHL player who dealt with off-ice issues but continued to bring their best to the game of hockey. While Crosby is a pretty private individual, he is still deserving of the Penguins’ nomination.
Multiple Penguins would have made good candidates, as well. Alex Nedeljkovic worked his way back to a full-time NHLer, and maybe even a starter, after a couple of tough seasons between the NHL and AHL with the Detroit Red Wings.
Jesse Puljujarvi worked his way back from double hip surgery this offseason to see regular NHL time again. Even Sam Poulin has made his way back to the NHL lineup after missing most of last season to look after his mental health.
Kris Letang, won the Masterton Trophy last year. Letang suffered a second stroke in his playing career and returned to continue playing at the top of his game. Letang also suffered a lengthy lower-body injury while dealing with the loss of his father. The 2022-23 season was tough on Letang, but he persevered through for an outstanding year.
Crosby may not have dealt with much by way of injuries or off-ice trauma this season, but he is still deserving of his second career nomination, just based on his dedication to winning. His first nomination came in 2013 when he finally made his way back from concussion issues. The league chose Crosby as a Masterton finalist that year.
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