Vesey Nominated for Masterton Trophy

Every year each team in the NHL nominates a player who they think is the most deserving of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This player is one who best "exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey." After the season the PHWA gets together and votes to decide the winner out of all the nominees.

This award has been won a league leading 5 times by the New York Rangers (tied with the Montreal Canadiens), but they haven't won in 10 years since Dominic Moore last took home the trophy after the 2013-14 season. This year's candidate from the Rangers is none other than Jimmy Vesey.

While there was a lot of hype surrounding Vesey when he first began his NHL career, as most of you remember the shine had mostly worn off at the end of his first run with the Rangers. From there the winger bounced around the league struggling to find a consistent role and home. He has played his way into a role with a team numerous times taking full advantage of a PTO, even doing so this season. He's become an integral part of this team playing on the Rangers' best fourth line in years.

This past weekend Vesey was interviewed during the intermission on his experience in the NHL and playing in his milestone 500th game. Vesey teared up a bit and showed some raw emotion of what it means to him to play in the NHL and finding ways to continue his career. We raise our glass to you Jimmy, may you help this team find offense in the playoffs and win your first Masterton Trophy!