Panthers' Brad Marchand Nominated for 2026 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

Veteran forward recognized for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:53pm

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The Professional Hockey Writers Association has nominated Florida Panthers left wing Brad Marchand as the team's candidate for the 2026 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The award is given annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Why it matters

The Bill Masterton Trophy is one of the NHL's most prestigious individual awards, honoring players who overcome significant challenges to continue playing at a high level. Marchand's nomination recognizes his impact both on and off the ice, including playing through injuries to help the Panthers defend their Stanley Cup title and taking a leave of absence to support a close friend dealing with a family tragedy.

The details

Marchand is in his second season with the Panthers after being acquired at last year's trade deadline. He made an immediate impact, helping Florida win the Stanley Cup while averaging a goal per game in the Finals. This season, Marchand led the team in goals and points despite missing time due to injuries. Off the ice, Marchand took a leave of absence to support a close friend whose 10-year-old daughter passed away from cancer, filling in as a guest coach for the friend's youth hockey team.

  • Marchand signed a six-year contract extension with the Panthers last summer.
  • He finished the 2025-26 season with 27 goals and 54 points in 52 games.
  • The PHWA Florida chapter unanimously selected Marchand as the Panthers' nominee on April 8, 2026.

The players

Brad Marchand

A veteran forward for the Florida Panthers who was nominated for the 2026 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for his perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

JP MacCallum

Marchand's best friend, whose 10-year-old daughter Saleh passed away from cancer in October 2025.

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What’s next

The NHL's 32 teams will each have a nominee for the Masterton Trophy. Members of the PHWA will vote on the nominees, and three finalists will be announced sometime during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The takeaway

Brad Marchand's nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy highlights his resilience and commitment to the sport of hockey, both through playing through injuries to help the Panthers defend their title and by supporting a close friend dealing with a personal tragedy. His example of perseverance and sportsmanship makes him a deserving candidate for one of the NHL's most prestigious individual awards.