Montreal Canadiens forward Joel Armia has been officially nominated by the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PWHA) as the team’s chosen candidate for the 2023-24 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This prestigious nomination is a testament to his remarkable recovery as a full-fledged NHL player following a demotion at the onset of the regular season. Armia has made substantial contributions to the team, recording 16 goals, matching his career-high, and ranking third on the team.
Despite not reaching the impressive performance levels of Slafkovsky, Armia has clearly demonstrated his growth, as evidenced by his recent hot streak with five goals and six points in the last five games. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the stiff competition for the Masterton Trophy, with players such as Jonathan Drouin and Oliver Kylington also showcasing outstanding resilience and determination. The Masterton Trophy is a symbol of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport of ice hockey. This award carries significant weight for players who have battled through immense adversity in their careers.
Even if Armia does not ultimately receive the Masterton Trophy, his resurgence has certainly not gone unnoticed. His recent impressive performance has solidified his status as a valuable player and may potentially influence the Canadiens’ roster for the upcoming season. His ability to surpass expectations, particularly as a penalty-kill specialist, has earned him another opportunity to showcase his value to both the team and the league as a whole.