Flyers' Oskar Lindblom Wins 2021 Bill Masterton Trophy After Return from Cancer

Philadelphia Flyers left wing Oskar Lindblom has been named the 2021 Bill Masterton Trophy winner, the NHL announced on Tuesday.  

The award is handed out annually to the player who best showcases perserverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game—named for the only player to die as a direct result of injuries sustained on ice.

Lindblom returned to the NHL a year after battling Ewing's sarcoma and completing chemotherapy, posting 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 50 games this season. 

The 24-year-old was diagnosed with the rare type of bone cancer in December 2019 while tying for a team-high 11 goals on the year. He would go on to take an immediate leave from the sport and finish treatment in July 2020, returning to the ice two months later for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

"Just to get back from losing all the muscles when you start playing again and you feel like you're not really there, it's a tough time to get around, then it starts to hit you mentally as well and you feel tired all the time, so last season was a battle for me," Lindblom said. "But just to be able to get back on the ice again was so, so good. I can't say more than that. Awesome feeling to be back on the ice again."

The forward finished first in voting over Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba and San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau. Lindblom thanked his family, his girlfriend, the Flyers and all the healthcare providers who helped him recover. 

It's the second year the native of Sweden was named a finalist. He was presented this year's award by Bobby Ryan, who won it last season. 

Lindblom is the first Flyers player to win the award since Ian Laperriere in 2011 and the fourth in franchise history overall.