New York Rangers Chris Kreider
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider has been nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy by the New York chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider was nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy by the New York chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

The Masterton Trophy is named after William Masterton, who was a player for the Minnesota North Stars who exhibited, to a high degree, the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. Masterton died on Jan. 15, 1968, after an injury sustained during a game.

Chris Kreider suffered a blood clot in his right arm after the first period of a game against the Washington Capitals on Dec. 27.

It was determined that a part of Kreider’s rib would need to be removed to stop the blood clot from reoccurring and the surgery was performed on Jan. 7.  Kreider’s return to the lineup was in doubt for the remainder of the season.

On Feb. 23, some seven weeks following the surgery, Kreider made his return to the lineup with a new appreciation for the game. With all the games missed and the possibility that he may not be able to play again, Kreider was grateful to get back on the ice with his teammates.

“I don’t think I took this for granted ever, but it definitely makes you grateful for everything you have.”

Chris Kreider told Greg Joyce of the New York Post on Feb. 14 as Kreider began practicing with the team again.

Recently Kreider has been part of the top line on the team skating with Mika Zibanejad and Jesper Fast. He also received another honor recently when he was selected to be an alternate captain.

The 26-year-old has the fourth-longest tenure on the team as only Henrik Lundqvist, Marc Staal and Mats Zuccarello have worn the Rangers sweater longer than Kreider.

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A graduate of St. John's University class of '91. I have been a fan of the New York Rangers since the days of Peter Puck. Founder of Ranger Proud, the Facebook page that covers all news, notes, pre /post-game stats, and player quotes. I can be reached at [email protected]