Roman Polak named Leafs’ Masterton nominee

Hey, there’s something you probably didn’t expect to see at the start of this season. Today, the Toronto chapter of the Pro Hockey Writers’ Association announced that their nominee for the Masterton Trophy.

As Hornby says, the award’s handed out to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. As Polak suffered a brutal leg injury last year and returned in time to sign a late contract with the Leafs and play much of this season, he’s a sensible enough candidate for the role. Polak’s played in 49 games this year, mostly in a bottom-pairing role, picking up two goals and nine assists.

All 31 teams get a nominee, making it the most, uh, involved of any of the NHL awards.

Our own Ryan Fancey made a great point as to the selection of Polak.

If nothing else, it’s a reminder that there’s been no real tragedies to affect the Leafs family this season, as the award often goes to a player battling something more serious than a broken leg.

It’s just spitballing at this point, but the favourite for the award looks to be former Leaf Brian Boyle, who as you likely know fought off a cancer scare early in this season to return to the New Jersey Devils lineup, making it all the way to the all-star game this year.