Bruins announce their nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy
The award is given annually to the player that shows the most perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
So this year's nominee for the Boston Bruins comes as no real surprise!
Jake Debrusk is an ideal candidate for the Bill Masterton award. The winger, who requested a trade from GM Don Sweeney last off-season, instead chose to stick around and grind it out for the B's.
Despite the trade request, Debrusk swore to keep playing to the best of his availabilities and did just that.
His work ethic landed him a spot on the Bruins top line and he's blossomed since. Debrusk has gone from the worst season of his career last year (14 points), to sitting four points shy of his career best 43 points, with three games to go.
Bruins fans will remember that the 25-year-old was made a healthy scratch during last season's playoffs, so he's definitely come a long way since.
Debrusk doesn't get much ice time on the top power play unit, which has led him to sit third on the team with 21 even-strength goals (Pastrnak has 25 and Marchand has 24).
Always known to be one of the funniest guys on the team, it's nice to see Debrusk's high energy - both on and off the ice - get some recognition.
Now let's hope the forward can take home the Bruins first Bill Masterton award since Phil Kessel won it back in 2007!
