Penguins' Kris Letang Named Masterton Trophy Finalist
The best defender on the Pittsburgh Penguins is close to achieving a well deserved honor.
To say Kris Letang had a rough year off the ice would be putting it mildly for the top defenseman on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Over the course of the 2022-23 season, the Penguins played without Letang due to not only a couple of injuries, but also the second stroke of his life, and the passing of his father.
Despite those setbacks, Letang put up a great season with 64 games played recording 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points.
It was Letang’s resilience that made him the Penguins’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
The award is given annually to the player who ‘best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.’
The NHL announced that Letang is among the three finalists for the award alongside Alex Stalock of the Chicago Blackhawks and Clayton Keller of the Arizona Coyotes.
This is the second time Letang has been a finalist for the Masterton Trophy, finishing as the runner-up in 2014-15.
Letang should be the odds on favorite to win the award this year and it will be a deserving honor for more than just this season.
Over his career, Letang has experienced numerous off-ice setbacks, but he never lost focus on the sport of hockey.
Through all the struggles, Letang played in his 1,000th career game this season, a milestone he never thought he’d reach.
The Penguins have had two winners of the Masterton Trophy in their history; Mario Lemieux in 1993 and Lowell MacDonald in 1973.
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