The 2026 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy finalists

The NHL announced the three finalists for the 2026 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy on Monday, honoring players who best exemplify perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog, and Winnipeg Jets center Jonathan Toews each faced extraordinary personal and health challenges yet continued to perform at a high level. Their stories highlight the resilience required in professional hockey.12

This year’s nominees stood out among dozens selected by Professional Hockey Writers’ Association chapters, one per team. The finalists’ journeys resonate deeply in a season marked by injuries and off-ice trials. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the league nears the playoffs.

Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres

Rasmus Dahlin endured a harrowing summer in 2025 when his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, suffered heart failure during a vacation in France. She required weeks on life support before receiving a heart transplant and months of rehabilitation. Tragically, they also lost their unborn child amid the ordeal.3

Dahlin took a leave of absence in November to support Matovac during checkups in Sweden. Despite the emotional toll, he returned to lead the Sabres’ defense. Matovac rejoined him in Buffalo by March, attending games for the first time since her recovery, where fans gave her a warm welcome. As detailed in our coverage of her inspiring return, the moment underscored the hockey community’s support.

Dahlin reflected on the overwhelming backing: “Unbelievable, the support we’ve had for a long time now. Getting this today, it was special, for sure.”3 In an open letter, he added, “Without her receiving lifesaving CPR, the result would have been unimaginable.” His ability to balance personal devastation with on-ice leadership embodies the Masterton qualities.

The Sabres captain’s perseverance has fueled Buffalo’s strong season. He has been a cornerstone on defense while navigating family crises. Dahlin’s sportsmanship shines through his grace under pressure.

• Key challenges: Fiancée’s heart failure and transplant, loss of unborn child.
• Response: Leave for support, yet elite performance.
• Impact: Emotional fan support, team leadership.

Dahlin’s story sets a powerful example for handling adversity without excuses. His dedication to both family and hockey makes a compelling case for the trophy.

Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche

Gabriel Landeskog missed three full regular seasons after a knee injury in the 2020 playoffs, where Cale Makar’s skate blade cut him, damaging cartilage. He underwent four major surgeries, culminating in a transplant in May 2023. Landeskog played through pain to help Colorado win the 2022 Stanley Cup but paid the price afterward.4

He made a triumphant return in the 2025 playoffs and suited up for 60 games in the 2025-26 season. A January crash into the net caused broken ribs, but he bounced back quickly. As of early March, Landeskog had been week-to-week with a lower-body issue but returned to the lineup, contributing significantly to the Avalanche’s Central Division lead. Our analysis of his regular-season comeback highlights his grit.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar praised the impact: “It’s good to have him back… He’ll make a significant difference for us here tonight, and it’s good to see him back healthy.”4 Landeskog’s 29 points in 47 games pre-injury showed his top-end talent intact after years away.

This marks Landeskog’s second straight Masterton finalist nod. His repeated comebacks from major surgery demonstrate unmatched perseverance. The captain’s leadership has kept Colorado atop standings amid injuries.

• Milestones: 2025 playoff return, 60 regular-season games, Olympic play for Sweden.
• Injuries overcome: Knee surgeries, ribs, lower-body.
• Team role: Captain, key playoff performer in five games so far.

Landeskog’s journey from sideline uncertainty to playoff contributor cements his status as a Masterton archetype. His story inspires across the league.

Jonathan Toews, Winnipeg Jets

Jonathan Toews stepped away after the 2022-23 season, battling long COVID-19 and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome since 2020. He explored treatments worldwide, including Ayurvedic therapy in India, to rebuild his health. The former Blackhawks captain’s NHL return seemed improbable.5

Toews signed a one-year deal with his hometown Jets and played all 82 games in 2025-26, tallying 11 goals and 29 points. His steady presence bolstered Winnipeg’s lineup. An emotional return to Chicago drew a four-minute ovation, as covered in our feature on the moment. Toews called it “very emotional,” adding, “I think it’ll be a pretty cool moment… to recognize what the game of hockey does for people in Chicago.”

He emphasized sacrifices: “You make a lot of sacrifices… the payoff is incredible to be part of championship teams.” At 37, Toews has built momentum with recent scoring streaks.

Toews’ full-season commitment after two-and-a-half years off showcases dedication. His health battle and triumphant return motivate others facing similar issues.

• Health trials: Long COVID, CIRS, global treatments.
• Stats: 11G, 29P in 82GP.
• Milestones: Hometown signing, Chicago ovation.

Toews’ resilience transforms doubt into inspiration, aligning perfectly with Masterton ideals.

These finalists embody the trophy’s spirit amid a grueling season. Whether Dahlin’s family trials, Landeskog’s injury odyssey, or Toews’ health revival takes the award, each narrative elevates hockey’s human side. The winner, voted by the PHWA, will be revealed soon, but their legacies already endure. As playoffs loom, their perseverance could propel their teams deep.