Sharks center Joe Thornton on Friday was named one of three finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, the NHL announced.
Other finalists named were winger Nick Foligno of the Columbus Blue Jackets and goaltender Robin Lehner of the New York Islanders The award is given “to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.”
Thornton, 39, overcame major injuries from the prior two seasons, suffering a torn ACL and MCL in both his left knee (2017) and right knee (2018).
His rehabilitation work, detailed in the Mercury News, served as an inspiration to his teammates and coaches.