Price, Chara, Hayes named Masterton finalists

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, New York Islanders defenceman Zdeno Chara and Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes were announced as the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy finalists on Monday.

The award is presented annually to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey” and is voted on by local chapters of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Price, 34, took part in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program last October and missed much of the 2021-22 season while recovering from a knee injury before re-joining the team late in the season.

Chara played in his 24th NHL season and set the all-time record for games played by a defenceman (1,652) on Feb. 24 and ranked second on the Isles in plus-minus (+8).

Hayes dealt with the sudden passing of his brother, Jimmy, and on three occasions required surgery to overcome injury and a blood infection to return to the Flyers' lineup. He played in 48 games this season, recording 31 points. 

The winners of the 2022 NHL awards will be announced during the conference final and the Stanley Cup Final with exact dates to be determined.