Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Killington, Arizona Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram and Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen best describe “perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey” He was selected as a finalist for the NHL's Masterton Trophy, which is given to the player who demonstrated the best performance.
Killington played in 33 games for the Flames last season, scoring three goals and eight points. The Swedish defenseman returned to action this year after missing a season and a half due to “family issues.” Killington spent time in Sweden, skated alone in Calgary, and took care of his mental health until he was ready to play again on January 25th.
Ingram finished last season with a 23-21-3 record, a .907 save percentage and a 2.91 goals against average. The goaltender has obsessive-compulsive disorder, but he was undiagnosed until he visited a therapist after participating in the NHL/NHLPA's Player Assistance Program in 2021. Since then, Ingram has become a regular in the NHL.
After starting the season 4-1-0, Andersen was sidelined indefinitely in November with blood clotting issues. The Danish goaltender returned to training in January after undergoing treatment for a deep vein thrombosis that led to a pulmonary embolism. He played in 16 games and finished the regular season with a 13-2-0 record, a .932 save percentage, and a 1.84 goals-against average.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was last year's winner.
On Friday, the league will announce the finalists for the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year. The finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy will be announced on Saturday. This award is given to “a player who is judged to have the highest level of sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and high-level playing ability.'' The three finalists for the Soelke Trophy, awarded to the league's best defensive forward, will be announced Sunday.
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(Photo of Frederik Andersen: Josh Lavallee/NHLI, via Getty Images)
