Philadelphia Flyers defenseman, Nick Seeler, has been named as the Flyers’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is handed out to the player “who best exemplifies the qualities and perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.”
Each team nominates one candidate and then the finalists and winner are selected by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.
Last year, the Flyers’ nominee was Kevin Hayes after the tough year he had to go through with the passing of his brother, Jimmy Hayes, and then the myriad of surgeries he endured before coming back and playing like a top-6 forward to end the season on a high. Carey Price ended up winning the award after he disclosed that he sought out treatment for substance abuse and dealt with offseason knee surgery, before coming back to play 5 games at the end of the season. Hayes was named as one of the 3 finalists.
The year before that, the Flyers’ Oskar Lindblom won the award after being diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma back in 2019-20, returned in time for the COVID-bubble playoffs, and then played the entire 2020-21 season. Before his diagnosis, he had 11 goals and 18 points in 30 games before appearing in 2 playoff games in the bubble. He played 50 of 56 games in the shortened 2020-21 season, and then played 79 games the following year as he tried to get back into hockey shape and scored 12 goals and 26 points. He was also named a finalist for 2019-20 when Bobby Ryan won the award.
Back in 2020-21, Nick Seeler wasn’t playing hockey and he ultimately thought about hanging his skates for good. He wasn’t sure what was next, but he was signed by Chuck Fletcher ahead of the 2021-22 season and played in 43 games. He talked about it in more detail a few months ago.
“I wasn’t sure what my plan was when I took the year off. I just needed kind of a mental and physical break. A few months went by and started to get that fire and that passion back, that true passion for the game.
“Definitely believe in myself and believe that I can certainly play every night and contribute to this team. I think my mindset’s always you have to prove yourself no matter what situation you are in. That benefits you in the end.”
John Tortorella chimed in as well.
“I remember the conversations, kind of really wasn’t on the map. I just don’t remember a lot of conversation. And here he is. And improving. That’s the really good part of it, that I think he’s still improving.
“He’s a glue guy. He’s a guy you root for, he’s a great teammate, ultra competitive and will stick up for his teammates. I think he makes other players bigger out there because of just how he will handle himself if he has to.
“Listen, he makes mistakes, sometimes he has problems moving the puck, but he’s going to try. The most important part for me — I still see him improve.”
As for the nomination, Seeler was thrilled.
“I’m truly honored and humbled to be nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. Thank you to those who voted for me and to the entire Flyers organization for making these past two years feel like home. And of course, thank you to my family and close friends for always supporting me throughout my hockey journey. Go Flyers!”
Interim general manager Daniel Brière also spoke about his defenseman.
“Nick is an excellent candidate for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. Not only did he make tremendous strides in his own game, he proved to all of us that he is a heart and soul player on our team that can be counted on night in and night out no matter the circumstances.”
The three finalists will be named at the end of the season and the ultimate winner of the award will be revealed at the NHL Awards Show on the 26th of June, 2023.
