Marc-André Fleury, Gabriel Landeskog, and Sean Monahan: Finalists for the Masterton Trophy 2024-2025

The distinguished Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded to a select few players who have displayed great perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship towards the game despite all the odds. This season, three outstanding athletes, Marc-Andre Fleury, Gabriel Landeskog, and Sean Monahan, are being considered for the honor. Their journeys tell a different story of resilience and passion for hockey; hence, they are deserving of nomination for the 2024-25 season.

What is there really to say about a goaltender whose name will forever be inscribed in the annals of hockey history as one of the greatest of all time? At age 40, Fleury was preparing to shut down his career, but the consistency carried through in 2024-25 with Minnesota as 'The Flower' played in 26 games, garnering 14 wins and a shutout with a respectable 2.93 goals against average. Off the ice, Fleury's mentoring of the youngster, Filip Gustavsson, plays a huge role in his growing success as a goaltender. The imprint of his leadership continues to be felt.

After three years of recovering from two complicated knee surgeries, Gabriel Landeskog has been cleared to return to the ice in 2024. The first ovation for him after the time he spent away from the rink was during his first game back with the Colorado Avalanche against the Dallas Stars. Though he didn't skate in a few seasons leading into this year, Landeskog's work as a leader never rerouted, instead guiding them through the course of his rehabilitation. Indeed, his recovery, successful return, and playoff ramifications demonstrate much determination and commitment.

Alternatively, Sean Monahan's comeback season with the Columbus Blue Jackets is a statement of perseverance. He managed to pick himself up from multiple injuries that had sabotaged past seasons and put himself together with good numbers of 57 points from 54 games. Monahan's strength was further tested by the loss of his close friend Johnny Gaudreau, who sadly passed away last summer. Nevertheless, Monahan remained a strong contributor on and off the ice and showed his leadership qualities.
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The three finalists are Marc-Andre Fleury, Gabriel Landeskog, and Sean Monahan, and they encompass the spirit of the Masterton Trophy. Their struggles against difficult circumstances have inspired so many fans and their teammates. No matter who takes home my vote, that legacy of perseverance that these players share should serve to remind all of us about the heart and dedication it takes to succeed at such high levels of professional hockey.