San Jose Sharks: Joe Thornton named Masterton Trophy nominee again
By Justin Fried
San Jose Sharks’ forward Joe Thornton has been named the team’s Masterton Trophy nominee again.
The San Jose Sharks have once again announced — or rather the San Jose chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association has announced — that veteran forward Joe Thornton will be the team’s nominee for the Masterton Trophy.
This marks the third consecutive season that Thornton has been nominated for the award although he’s never won it.
Named after former NHL player Bill Masterton, the award is given by the PHWA to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
The trophy was created in 1968 to honor the legacy of Masterton who tragically passed away on January 15, 1968, following injuries sustained in a game.
The Sharks have had one winner of the award in their history coming back in 1997 when Tony Granato was chosen as that year’s recipient following his recovery from a serious head injury.
Thornton could become the second Sharks player to receive the award if he were to win.
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
San Jose Sharks’ legend Joe Thornton continues to defy Father Time.
The 40-yeard-old remains one of the game’s most beloved and respected players. He played in all 70 games this season and finished with seven goals and 24 assists. And he also managed to pass a couple of milestones as well.
Thornton became the 12th player in NHL history to appear in 1,600 games and surpassed Adam Oates for seventh on the NHL’s all-time assist list. And it doesn’t seem as though he’s prepared to call it quits just yet either.
Known for his high-character and leadership, few are more deserving of such an honor than the man they call “Jumbo.” And after being nominated in the previous two seasons, perhaps 2020 will finally be his year.
Of course, there are also a number of other deserving candidates who have been nominated. Philadelphia Flyers forward Oskar Lindblom, Dallas Stars defenseman Stephen Johns, and St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester just to name a few.
But given Thornton’s age and the fact that this is now his third time being nominated, perhaps the committee will throw him a bone and finally honor him with the trophy.
Next. San Jose Sharks: A complete offseason strategy to fix the team. dark
Finalists for the award will be announced later this summer and Thornton will be hoping to be among those final nominees.