An Award for a Maple Leaf???

Every year, one player from every NHL team is nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy.

But what is the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy you ask???




"The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.... It is often awarded to a player who has come back from career- or even life-threatening illness or injury. A player can receive this trophy only once in his career."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Masterton_Memorial_Trophy


Several players that have donned the blue and white have won this award in the past, however only 1 player has won it while being a standing member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

That player was Jason Blake.

• 1982–83 Lanny McDonald (Calgary Flames) Presented for his dedication; he was traded around the league numerous times, and when he was traded to the Flames, he scored 66 goals and 32 assists for 98 points.
• 1995–96 Gary Roberts (Calgary Flames) Successfully recovered from possibly career-ending surgery to correct bone spurs and nerve damage
• 2003–04 Bryan Berard (Chicago Blackhawks) Overcame an eye injury that rendered the eye legally blind.
• 2006–07 Phil Kessel (Boston Bruins) Missed 12 games because of testicular cancer mid season.
• 2007–08 Jason Blake (Toronto Maple Leafs) Was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia but still played a full 82-game season.
• 2008–09 Steve Sullivan (Nashville Predators) Played 41 games this season after missing almost two years due to a fragmented disc in his back, and a strained groin.

TORONTO'S LATEST NOMINEE - THE MONSTER

Jonas Gustavsson is this year's nominee. The Monster overcame the death of his mother and two heart operations in 2009.

Gustavsson lost his mother to chronic lung disease just before signing with the Leafs. His father died four years earlier.

Starting the season with the Leafs, Jonas was found to have a heart condition. He underwent 2 surgical procedures to correct the issue.

With the heart problem fixed, Jonas had another setback with a groin strain

Despite the issues, the young Goaltender improved his play on the ice, leading to seven straight wins with the Leafs, along with a spot on the Swedish Olympic Team.