Matt Carkner for the Masterton?

The Masterson is for dedication and perservance to hockey.

He hasnt been injured but he was in the minors for a decade and stuck with it to get to the NHL? I think that is Masterson worthy. Thoughts?

To me that makes a HELL of a lot more sense than someone like Blake.....who had a disease that rarely even affects someones life, but is a type of cancer so its got the stigma attached to it. The masterson is basically an award for the player that has the biggest negative story about them that is outside of their control.

It really is ridiculous to pick one player out of about 800 a year and claim this guy is more dedicated to hockey than any of the others who haven't won it. I really think they need to change the description to "who had the most interesting illness/injury this year." Having cancer seems to be a sure thing.

That said, Matt Carker is definitely a good story, so it would not be out of line for him to receive some consideration.

You would have to figure a guy like Gaborik is going to be the front-runner for it.

I think he could get it for that, but it would have to be a slow year for dedication stories. and would make the most sense if he became an impact type player. but he has been good enough I think having stepped in and been one of our most consistent guys.

I don't think gaborik will get a sniff.

It's for people who through whatever act show they persevere through some adversity and are still dedicated to hockey to put it first. jason allison for example quit hockey for a while for problems he had, the award goes to people who even though there is adversity they remain dedicated to hockey. That's sort of how I'd evaluate it, and carkner would certainly fit that. I just don't see him winning it

Masterton.

I would vote for the guy. From a perennial minor leagues scrub to an established and capable #5/6 who can and does drop the gloves with the best of them. He plays a mean mother ****er game when the need arises too.

As long as nobody gets cancer, he could win it.

It's for people who through whatever act show they persevere through some adversity and are still dedicated to hockey to put it first.

Well, given Gaborik's injury history, it would make him a good candidate, similar to Steve Sullivan.

However, the more I think about it, the more think I Kurtis Foster might already have this one all wrapped up.

Maybe, but Pyatt will give him a good run for his money

Whether he gets recognition or not, its still a heck of a story

Maybe, but Pyatt will give him a good run for his money

Damn, good call, forgot about Pyatt. It may just be a close race afterall.

Oh yeah I forgot about Foster.

Did Heatley win it when he didnt quit after the car accident?

Oh yeah I forgot about Foster.

Did Heatley win it when he didnt quit after the car accident?

No, he did not.

I doubt a guy would win the award just because he played a few years in the minors.

Foster seems to be showing up in the box scores lately and his story is tremendous, he would be my pick

I doubt a guy would win the award just because he played a few years in the minors.

Foster seems to be showing up in the box scores lately and his story is tremendous, he would be my pick

A few seasons? Try 9, with 3 different organizations. It's a pretty remarkable story.

And this is coming from a big Kurtis Foster fan.

every team gets a nominee, then they narrow it down to an eventual winner.

Carkner very likely won't win it, but has to be the favourite for the Sens nomination.