Islanders’ Lehner Awarded Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

New York Islanders is the recipient of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.” The award was presented by the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) to honor the late Bill Masterton, a player for the Minnesota North Stars who exhibited those qualities. Masterton died on Jan. 15, 1968, as a result of an on-ice injury.

Lehner (25-13-5, 2.13 GAA, .930 SV%, 6 SO) and teammate won the 2018-19 William M. Jennings Trophy as the on the team allowing the fewest regular-season goals, helping the Islanders post their highest regular-season points total (103) since 1983-84. His best NHL season on the ice came on the heels of revealing addiction and mental health issues in a self-penned article for during training camp. “I am not sharing this story to make people think differently of Robin Lehner as a professional goalie. I want to help make a difference and help others the way I have been helped,” Lehner wrote. “I want people to know that there is hope in desperation, there is healing in facing an ugly past and there is no shame in involving others in your battle.”

A $2,500 grant from the PHWA is awarded annually to the Bill Masterton Scholarship Fund, based in Bloomington, Minn., in the name of the Masterton Trophy winner.

Other finalists for this year’s honor were Nick Foligno of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Joe Thornton of the .

For more on the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, including a list of past winners, click here.