Carolina’s Derek Ryan Nominated for NHL’s Masterton Trophy
Carolina Hurricanes forward Derek Ryan was nominated by Carolina’s Professional Hockey Writers Association as a Masterton Trophy finalist.
After the season is over, the league hands out all of the awards to leagues best and brightest. Among those in line this year are Sidney Crosby for the ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy and Connor McDavid for the Art Ross Trophy. Potentially joining these elites in collecting silverware this summer is Derek Ryan who is nominated to win the Masterton Trophy.
This award is given out to the play who best exhibits perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport of hockey. No Hurricanes player has ever won the award, but a few seasons ago, center Manny Malhotra came close. The only player in franchise history to win was Doug Jarvis with the Whalers in 1987 for playing over 900 straight games.
It is unlikely Derek Ryan wins the award this season though. Although he hasn’t been nominated as of yet, one would have to think Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson is the favorite. He has had quite the season.
Despite having long odds, this is quite the honor for Ryan. He has not had to overcome such big emotional hurdles as others, but on pure dedication to his craft, there are few better. In that sense, Derek Ryan is a fantastic nominee.
More from Cardiac Cane
- 2023 Southeast Rookie Showcase: Takeaways from the Canes’ Strong Showing in Florida
- Week Two Coverage Of College Hockey In NC
- Derek Stepan Ends His On Ice Career As A Hurricane
- The Southeast Rookie Showcase Will Be a Good Look at Carolina’s Future
- Noesen Ready To Provide Depth For Canes
This season, after starting in Charlotte, Ryan worked his way into the Hurricanes lineup full time. As a Hurricane, Ryan has been wonderful this year. He has 11 goals and 24 points in 57 games, providing excellent secondary scoring. There is a good chance he starts next season in Raleigh.
Ryan made his NHL debut at the age of 29 last season, scoring 2 goals in 6 games. He did this on the heels of going to the AHL All-Star Game in only his first pro season in North America. The year before that he led the Swedish Hockey League in points, being awarded their MVP. And the year before that he was MVP of the Hungarian league.
Before he began his professional career, Ryan was a member of Bill Peters’ Spokane teams in the Western Hockey League. After going un-drafted, Ryan played in the Canadian college hockey leagues for four years. Professionally, he worked his way through Austria, Hungary, and Sweden before coming back to North America.
Next: Hurricanes Prospect Nicolas Roy is Coming
It takes real determination to battle your way up the ranks all the way up to the top. For that, Derek Ryan should be commended. There’s no quit in his attitude or his game and Carolina is lucky to have him. He might not win the Masterton Trophy, but he definitely deserve his nomination.