The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is the annual award given “to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.”

Each year, a player from each team is nominated for the award by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA).

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This year, the nominee from the Philadelphia Flyers is forward Garrett Wilson.

Wilson, 35, has appeared in a combined 86 NHL games during 5 different seasons in the league. He started his career as an AHL and ECHL player and worked his way into the league. He made his NHL debut during the 2013-14 season with the Florida Panthers and made an appearance during the next two seasons.

After that, he was out of the NHL until joining the Penguins in 2018-19, his last stint before being called up to the Flyers.

Garrett Wilson named Flyers’ Masterton nominee

Garrett Wilson has demonstrated perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey throughout his career – all of the traits of a Masterton Award nominee.

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Wilson signed an AHL deal in 2020 with the Flyers and spent six seasons with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. During his time with the Phantoms, he served as an alternate captain for 3 years and has been the captain for the last 3 years.

During his time in the AHL, he was more than just a leader on the ice. He took younger players under his wing in the AHL, just as veterans like Greg Zanon, Shane O’Brien, Dany Heatley, and others did for him during his early career.

Wilson said he likes getting the chance to take the younger players under his wing. “I like the role I had down there, taking care of the younger guys and showing them the pro game. And a lot of the guys have graduated [to the Flyers].”

Before signing his two-way deal at the trade deadline, Wilson was in his 7th season with an NHL appearance. Not once did he give up. He kept showing up to the rink and being a true leader. “It’s the best job in the world, and I’m so grateful to be able to do it for a living.”

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Wilson’s perseverance and dedication to the game earned him his call-up to the Flyers, and also his nomination for the 2026 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

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