While there’s been a lot of disappointment on the ice for the New Jersey Devils, there is some good news worth mentioning. Defenseman Brenden Dillon has been named the team’s nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The award is given to the player who has exemplified perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication throughout the season. One player on each team is nominated by members of their local chapter.<\/p>\n
There’s no one more deserving than you, Dilly!<\/p>\n
This morning, the New Jersey chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association announced Brenden Dillon is the club’s Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy nominee.<\/p>\n
\u2014 New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) April 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The winner is selected by a poll of all PHWA chapters at the end of the regular season. Dillon, 35, has certainly shown his fair share of perseverance in his time in the Garden State. In his first season with the Devils, 2024-25, Dillon was injured colliding awkwardly with William Carrier in Game 1 of the team’s first-round playoff matchup vs the Carolina Hurricanes. He tried to return in that game and keep playing despite the injury, but was ultimately told not to and missed the rest of the playoffs.<\/p>\n Dillon later revealed that he had artificial disc replacement surgery<\/a> due to a neck injury. In 25-26, Dillion has come back stronger than ever. He’s played in every game this year, posting three goals and 15 points. He also reached 1,000 career games<\/a> on December 1st, 2025. It’s a true testament to the kind of player Dillon has been throughout his career and with the Devils’ organization.<\/p>\n Brenden Dillon deserves his Bill Masterton Trophy nomination<\/p>\n