Masterton Trophy finalists praised for dedication, perseverance

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Marc-Andre Fleury, Gabriel Landeskog and Sean Monahan each followed a unique path to become finalists for the 2024–25 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. While their journeys differ greatly, all three are united by the deep respect they’ve earned across the hockey world.

Each player was nominated by the local chapters of the Professional Hockey Writers Association at the conclusion of the regular season. The honour is awarded annually “to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.”

Teammates of the trio spoke to the admirable qualities that make them each worthy of the award.

Flower blooms bright

Fleury holds status as one of the game’s most popular and beloved figures, revered by fans and players alike. The 40-year-old goalie wrapped up his regular-season NHL career with his 1,051st appearance – a mark good for second in all-time GP for netminders, while his 575 victories over that span are the second most in all-time NHL wins.

Over his 21 NHL seasons, Fleury, affectionately known as Flower, fashioned a 575-339-95 mark with 2.60 goals against average a .912 save percentage and 76 shutouts.

After signing a one-year contract in Minnesota to play a backup role to Filip Gustavsson to help prioritize team success, and despite the constant pressures of elite competition, Fleury consistently maintained the joy, humility and camaraderie that made him one of the league’s most respected and beloved figures.

How he has navigated those challenges is a perfect example of Fleury’s character, said Wild teammate Marcus Foligno.

“Flower has proven over and over again, why he is so good and why he’s been so good for so long,” Foligno told NHLPA.com.

“His commitment to the game and the professionalism he shows day in, and day out is outstanding. I’ve seen him battle through little injuries that are tough for goalies to play through – he has played with class and has always showed respect to the game of hockey.”

Fleury, who played in 123 regular-season games with Minnesota, is also the epitome of an ideal teammate, said Foligno.

“He’s a great teammate because he makes everyone around him better. His energy and passion for hockey is infectious, it makes everyone show up to the rink wanting to be at their best and also have as much fun as they can.

“He knows how to keep things light in the dark moments of the season. He reminds me that this game is the same game we played when we were kids, nothing’s changed, even on the biggest stage.”

Fleury’s long list of accolades, awards and standing as one of the NHL’s most proficient backstoppers doesn’t come with an ego to match those successes.  

“I respect his humility,” Foligno said of the three-time Stanley Cup champion. “All the things he has accomplished in the game of hockey, you would never know when talking to him. He cares a lot about the people around him, his teammates and especially his family.

“I always appreciate Marc-Andre for the father and husband he is.”  

A comeback three years in the making

It was an arduous road that Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog navigated to make it back to the NHL ranks.  

On April 23, Landeskog, who missed the entire 2022-23 season following knee surgery, then underwent cartilage transplant surgery, which resulted in him missing the 2023-24 and 2024-25 regular seasons, returned to NHL ice for Game 3 of Colorado’s First Round matchup with the Dallas Stars.

Although the Avalanche went on to be ousted in seven games – the 32-year-old forward’s return was heralded by his teammates. It was Landeskog’s first NHL game since June 26, 2022, when he raised the Stanley Cup after the Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Landeskog’s return wasn’t just a comeback – it was a testament to grit, determination and the emotional resilience required to overcome nearly three years of uncertainty.

“This trophy [the Masterton] is meant for perseverance and dedication to the game,” noted Colorado defenceman Josh Manson. “I think it’s hard to find anyone more fitting the past two years of those qualities than Gabe, who persevered through that substantial an injury for three years.

“For that long, he put the majority of his time, effort and money into returning, while never losing sight of the end goal.” 

Manson, who faced Landeskog on several occasions when the former played for the Anaheim Ducks, lauded the leadership abilities of the Swedish-born forward, who was selected second overall in the 2011 NHL Draft.

“He’s a great teammate for many reasons. One, because you know how much he cares about the game, but also because he genuinely cares about you as a person. He wants to get to know you on a deeper level and make sure you’re doing well not only at the rink, but away from the it as well.”

Manson’s praise of Landeskog extends beyond the locker room.

“I respect that he puts his family before everything else. And then hockey-wise, that he puts character above all. He wants to be the best human he can be.”  

Overcoming loss

Sean Monahan endured a tumultuous 2024-25 NHL season, personally and professionally.

Monahan, who signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets to reunite with best friend and former Calgary Flames teammate, Johnny Gaudreau, found a way to overcome and inspire his teammates after the deaths of Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, last August.

The 30-year-old Monahan also missed 28 contests due to a wrist injury.

He completed the season with 57 points – the fifth-most points by a Columbus player in his first (Gaudreau is second with 74 in 2022-23). His 1.06 points per game was the highest by any first-year Blue Jackets player.

“I just think if you look at the situation he came into with everything that happened, you add that with the way he played and the way he led our group,” said Columbus defenceman and alternate captain Zach Werenski. “Just been so impressed and learned so much from watching how he has gone through and handled this season.” 

Monahan emerged as a steadying force in a young locker room – leading by example with quiet strength and profound compassion.

“Sean has been everything you could want in a teammate, especially where we’re at with our group,” said Werenski. “He has an aura about him that guys gravitate towards him and want to be around him.

“You can tell how much of an impact he’s had on the young guys in our room and the team as a whole. I also think he really embraced what it means to play for Columbus and really enjoys his time there. I think that’s really important. He’s been all-in since day one.”

Monahan continues to be an uplifting presence and role model to his teammates.

“What I respect the most about Monny is the way he treats people,” said Werenski. “He treats everyone with respect, and he treats people the right way. I really enjoy being around Monny and feel like you become a better person being around a guy like him.” 

A $2,500 grant from the PHWA is awarded annually to the Bill Masterton Scholarship Fund in the name of the Masterton Trophy winner.

This year’s recipient will be announced at a date to be determined during the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Playoffs.