Zdeno Chara, Kevin Hayes and Carey Price named 2021-22 Masterton Trophy finalists

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded to the player “who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.” The three finalists voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association this season embody that.

The finalists for 2021-22: New York Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara, Philadelphia Flyers center Kevin Hayes and Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price.

45-year-old veteran Chara broke longtime NHLer and Hall of Famer Chris Chelios’ record this year for most regular-season games played by a defenseman with 1,680. Chara also became just the eighth player in NHL history to play in 24 seasons.

Flyers forward Kevin Hayes played a season full of emotions following the sudden and tragic passing of his brother and former NHLer Jimmy Hayes due to a drug overdose. Kevin Hayes also overcame multiple surgeries this past season that sidelined him but he was able to register 31 points in 48 games.

Canadiens netminder Carey Price made headline news when he missed the start of the season after voluntarily entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program for substance abuse. Price made his triumphant return in April and appeared in four games to close off his 15th NHL season.

The winner of the Masterton Trophy, and other major NHL awards, will be awarded during the conference finals and the Stanley Cup final, with the exact dates, times and formats of the presentations not yet announced.