Pittsburgh Penguins: Kris Letang named Masterton Trophy nominee

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang has been nominated for the Masterton Trophy.

The award, named after former NHL ahead Invoice Masterton, is given yearly to the participant who greatest exemplifies qualities akin to perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

Letang, 35, completed as a finalist for the award in 2015.

Letang’s 2022-23 season has included each private {and professional} struggles. The longtime blue liner suffered a second stroke in November and misplaced his father in January.

“I used to be public with the stroke as a result of it is one thing that’s far more frequent than individuals assume,” Letang stated by way of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ web site. “However it may be neglected and probably not paid consideration to as a result of it could possibly look innocent. So, individuals simply go on with their life, however there’s issues to do if you would like to have the ability to not have one other stroke, or one thing else.”

Letang suffered a lower-body harm on the tail finish of 2022. Whereas in Boston with the Penguins for the Winter Traditional, he discovered that his father, Claude, had died. Letang returned to his dwelling in Montreal to be along with his household, whereas additionally getting assist from his teammates.

“It was big,” Letang stated. “I imply, it has been occurring for lots of years. It isn’t solely this yr; I can rely on numerous good pals. Clearly, (Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin) have been with me for 17 years. So, these two guys, they’ve at all times been there for me. They usually additionally know what it is wish to not have the ability to play or undergo a troublesome time,” Letang stated.

Letang has scored 11 targets this season, including 28 assists, whereas logging just below 25 minutes of ice time per recreation.

The Masterton Trophy winner shall be introduced on the NHL Awards ceremony on June 26.