Craig Anderson Wins 2017 Masterton Trophy for Dedication to Hockey

Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson was named the 2017 Masterton Trophy winner at Wednesday night's NHL Awards in Las Vegas. 

Anderson beat out Anaheim Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano and Carolina Hurricanes forward Derek Ryan for the hardware, which recognizes perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. 

According to NHL.com, Anderson was considered for the award after he took "several leaves of absence to be with his wife, Nicholle, who was diagnosed with a rare form of throat cancer in October."

"This has been a year filled with unexpected challenges," Anderson said in April, per the Canadian Press (via Sportsnet). "I have to thank the entire hockey community for the support and compassion they have shown for both Nicholle and our family this season. The number of people who have reached out to us has been overwhelming."

All told, Anderson appeared in 40 regular-season games and went 25-11-4 with a .926 save percentage to complement a 2.28 goals-against average in those starts. 

Thanks, in part, to Anderson's efficient prowess, the Senators finished second in the Atlantic Division with 98 points before they made a run to the Eastern Conference Final. 

In the playoffs, Anderson proved brilliant yet again when he went 11-8 with a .922 save percentage and 2.34 goals-against average.