Shea Weber is the Canadiens' candidate for the Bill Masterton Trophy

The Montreal chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) announced today the selection of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber as the team's candidate for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for the 2019-20 season.

Drafted by the Nashville Predators in the second round at the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, the 34-year old Weber completed his 15th NHL season this year. Throughout the season, he was a true example of sportsmanship, perseverance and dedication. Weber played 65 games this season, missing six games in February due to an ankle injury. He was held out of the lineup for 56 and 24 contests, respectively, in 2017-18 and 2018-19, due to injuries.

The Sicamous, BC native scored 15 goals in 2019-20 (ranking fourth among NHL defensemen, tied with three others) and added 21 assists. Weber tallied three of his goals on the power play, posted a plus-8 differential and was assessed 33 penalty minutes. His 185 shots ranked him eighth among NHL rearguards in that category. The 6'4'' and 230 lb defenseman registered his 100th point in a Canadiens uniform on October 31 in Vegas and played his 200th game as a Hab on December 28 in Tampa Bay.

The Canadiens' captain will now be in contention with the League's 30 other nominees for this coveted award.

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. The winner is selected by a poll among the 31 chapters of the PHWA at the end of the regular season. The trophy commemorates the late Bill Masterton, a player with the Minnesota North Stars, who lost his life following an NHL game on January 15, 1968.

Five Canadiens players have been awarded with the Masterton Trophy since its inception; Max Pacioretty (2011-12), Saku Koivu (2001-02), Serge Savard (1978-79), Henri Richard (1973-74), and Claude Provost (1967-68), who was the inaugural recipient of the award.