I think it has more to do with the fact that he was undrafted and went through the ECHL and AHL before becoming (what looks like) an NHL caliber player.
...Mathieu Darche didn't play major junior and didn't play in the NCAA, played well over 500 AHL games (and one season in Germany), had a full-time NHL since for the last time (before this year) in 07-08, and had a career year at... 34.
Ondrej Pavelec has a good chance at it because the dramatics of his story were televised for everyone to see (Fainting in the middle of an early season game).
Otherwise, my candidates are Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Sami Salo.
Desharnais is only 24 so it's not like he toiled long in the minors.
I know, I'm just telling the guy WHY the Habs might nominate him. No one really stands out on the Habs as an obvious choice (like Bouchard or something) so the Montreal nominee is likely to be someone like Darche or Desharnais.
...Mathieu Darche didn't play major junior and didn't play in the NCAA, played well over 500 AHL games (and one season in Germany), had a full-time NHL since for the last time (before this year) in 07-08, and had a career year at... 34.
I'm well aware of that...but if Desharnais gets nominated, it's not because he's short...
Often, there is a longevity nominee for the Masterton, and this year has been unbelievable in this respect. We have Selanne, Lidstrom, Recchi, and Roloson all having terrific seasons for their ages.
Often, there is a longevity nominee for the Masterton, and this year has been unbelievable in this respect. We have Selanne, Lidstrom, Recchi, and Roloson all having terrific seasons for their ages.
Selanne already received the trophy, he's ineligible for it again.
For the Canes, no one really stands out so I'll say Jiri Tlusty.
Tlusty tore his ACL in the AHL playoffs last season and came back after the season started and soon after he tore cartilidge in his shoulder from a hit from behind by Ben Eager. He's now back and is playing very solid for us.
If I had to guess anyone else, probably Jay Harrison or Erik Cole.
He had back surgery last year and missed all, but 12 games. He's having a breakout season in Dallas and is on pace for a new career high in wins. He's also the main reason that Dallas has a chance at making the post-season.
My guess is that the Hawks will nominate Turco. He has taken on the backup/mentor role with style and Crawford is playing well above expectations likely in part because of it.
I haven't paid enough attention to other team's off ice drama enough this season to have any idea who will win it.
