From Out of Hockey to a candidate for Masterton

A little over two years ago, Nick Seeler, who played 105 NHL games in four seasons, needed a break from hockey.

ropes, then with the Chicago Blackhawks, left the sport for about a year. He said he needed a physical and mental “reset”.

The Minnesota native came back as a junior and has become one of the Philadelphia Flyers’ most valuable defensemen this season.

In appreciation of his persistence, Seeler has been named the Flyers’ Masterton Trophy nominee by the Philadelphia chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

I am truly honored and humbled to be nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, said Seeler. “Thank you to those who voted for me and the entire Flyers organization for making these two years feel like home. And of course, thank you to my family and close friends for always supporting me throughout my hockey journey. Go Flyers!

The award is given to the player who best describes perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Seeler, 29, is one of 32 candidates (one from each team) for Masterton.

Montreal goaltender Carey Price won last year.

Seeler has been a mainstay in the Flyers’ third pair. He has set career highs in games (77), goals (four) and points (14)

He leads the team with 157 saves and is 14th in the NHL in that category despite averaging significantly less ice time (14:27) than the players ahead of him.

In addition, he is second among Flyers defensemen in hits and keeps teams against him with his scrappy play.

Seeler’s plus-1 ranking — on a team with a minus-57 goal differential — is the best among Philadelphia Flyers defensemen.

In franchise history, four Flyers have won the Masterton: Oskar Lindblom in 2021, Ian Laperriere in 2011, Tim Kerr in 1989 and Bobby Clarke in 1972.

Kevin Hayes was a finalist last year. This gave the Flyers three consecutive seasons as a finalist. Lindblom was a finalist the previous two years.

Breakways

Seeler missed the Flyers’ 5-3 loss to Boston on Sunday because he was sick. … Former Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher saved Seeler’s career by signing him. … The Flyers play their final home game of the season on Tuesday, facing South Jersey’s Johnny Gaudreau (71 points in 77 games) and the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets and Chicago are tied for the worst record in the NHL with 56 points. Chicago has a tie-break. The Flyers have a big say in who finishes last and has the best betting odds; they play their final two games against Columbus and the Blackhawks.

Flyers best D-man this season? My answer may surprise you