The NHL announced today that Ottawa Senators forward Bobby Ryan has been named a finalist for this year’s Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The award is given annually to “a player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.… Ryan is absolutely a worthy nominee.
When looking back on the Senators 2019-20 campaign, there are a few memorable moments and stretches that stick out. There was J-G Pageau’s crazy run as an elite-looking goal scorer. There was Mark Borowiecki fighting crime in Vancouver. There was Chris Phillips’ jersey retirement ceremony. There was Anthony Duclair’s scorching month of December. As great, enjoyable, or memorable as they were, none of those moments or streaks compared to Bobby Ryan’s return.
After entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in late 2019, there were moments where it felt like the question wasn’t “when… Ryan would return, but rather “if… he would at all. When he ultimately did, it was pure magic:
Fine, I'll watch it again. #BFR #Sens https://t.co/9W1BY6lzZu
— Spencer Blake (@spencerdjblake) July 16, 2020
As always, thanks for reading.