Jonathan Quick NYR’s Masterton Trophy Nominee
Each year, all 32 teams across the league nominate a player for the annual Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. For those who may not know, Bill Masterton was the only player in the history of the National Hockey League to pass away as a direct result of injuries suffered in a game. The Professional Hockey Writers Association selects a nominee from each team and is typically awarded to a player with a big comeback story whether it’s relevant to injury or just individual perseverance.
While there are plenty of nominees across the league that could easily win this award, Jonathan Quick is without question the right candidate for the Rangers. In his age 38 season, Quick has truly redefined his career coming off a shaky year despite it ending with his third Stanley Cup. The Connecticut-Native Netminder who grew up a Rangers fan, went from being Vegas’ third string goaltender to becoming one of, if not the best number two goaltender in the league. His outstanding 17-5-2 record this season currently has him tied for 10th in the league with a .913% save percentage and 9th in goals-against-average at 2.54.
His 17 wins this season helped him pass Ryan Miller to become the all-time winningest American-born goaltender in league history which in itself, is a remarkable feat in an extremely impressive season. Off the ice, Quick has become a veteran leader in the Rangers locker room, at the forefront of organizing team events and parties involving players and families.
One of the most heart-warming stories to come from the Rangers this season involved Jonathan Quick ensuring a recently injured Blake Wheeler’s son still got to attend the team’s family skate leading up to the Stadium Series.
These little things, among his on-ice accomplishments make him an extraordinary candidate for one of the toughest awards to name a winner. Congrats to Jonathan Quick for a well-deserved nomination!
