Islanders' Zdeno Chara a finalist for Masterton Trophy
New York Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at UBS Arena on April 29, 2022. Credit: Brad Penner
There’s been no word since the Islanders’ season ended about whether Zdeno Chara intends to retire or try to continue his Hall of Fame career.
But if the 45-year-old defenseman has played his last game, he fittingly could cap his career with the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication.
Chara on Monday was named one of the finalists along with Canadiens goalie Carey Price and the Flyers’ Kevin Hayes as voted upon by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.
The winner will be announced before the end of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The 6-9, 250-pound Slovakian returned to the Islanders for his 24th NHL season and had two goals and 12 assists in 72 games, with his mentorship playing a factor in third-year pro Noah Dobson blossoming into a top-pair defenseman. Chara’s 1,680 games are an NHL record for defensemen.
Chara ended a disappointing season for the Islanders on a bright note with a goal in the final minute of their 6-4 loss to the Lightning on April 29 at UBS Arena.
That set off a touching scene as the crowd chanted his name and the Lightning players lined up to shake his hand after the final buzzer.
“I was getting chills,” Chara said after the game. “It was a spectacular moment and I will cherish that for the rest of my life. Amazing.”
Hayes had 10 goals and 21 assists after his brother, former NHLer Jimmy Hayes, died suddenly before the season. He also overcame a blood infection and three surgeries during the season.
Price, a former Hart and Vezina Trophy winner, finally made his season debut on April 15 after recovering from knee surgery and seeking treatment for substance use.
The Islanders have had three Masterton winners: Robin Lehner (2019), Mark Fitzpatrick (1992) and Ed Westfall (1977).
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
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