The Masterton Award is named for former Minnesota North Star Bill Masterton. It is awarded, annually, by the NHL Pro Hockey Writers Association. The player who wins this award is supposed to best exemplify the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

Of course, all that really must occur is for an individual to have enough members in your local PHWA to override the common sense of the other writers. See: Laperriere, Ian. The award was further tarnished this season when the Pittsburgh PHWA nominated Matt Cooke as their finalist. Thankfully, the rest of the PHWA corrected that insult, saving some grace for the award.

Who would you choose for the Masterton? Someone on the PHWA's finalist list, or someone else? Vote, then check to see who we voted for.

Nathan

Winner: Max Pacioretty

Nominees: Joffrey Lupul, Daniel Alfredsson

Bruce

Winner: Manny Malhotra

Nominees: Tomas Fleischmann, Jordin Tootoo

Bryan

I refuse to vote for this award. It's become a joke, and doesn't deserve the honor of an answer. Both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia PHWA chapters should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.

JS

Winner: Joffrey Lupul

Nominees: Sidney Crosby, Daniel Alfresson

Rationale: He went through a lot and surprised a lot of people this year.