"It's an individual award but it's definitely not possible without my family, my teammates, my coaches, this organization, players around the league and the fans in Philly," said Hayes. "I've truly been grateful for everyone that's tried to reach out that's helped me and supported me and my family.
"It's definitely been a whirlwind of a year for myself and my family. It's been difficult but playing hockey this year was something I knew was going to be emotional. It had it's ups and downs, but I'm proud of what I've accomplished this year and definitely been thinking about my brother when I do play."
"Kevin is an excellent choice and is deserving of this nomination," said President of Hockey Operations & General Manager, Chuck Fletcher. "To return from both the physical and emotional challenges he faced this season speaks volumes about his character as a person, but also his commitment to our club and to his teammates. Kevin not only fought through many issues during the year, he performed at a high level and was one of our best players each time he was in the lineup."
Hayes, 29 (5/8/1992), entered the 2021-22 season following the sudden and tragic passing of his brother, Jimmy Hayes, and on three occasions required surgery to overcome injury and a blood infection to return to the Flyers lineup. He has 30 points (9g-21a) in 45 games and since returning from his latest surgery, on Mar. 5, he has led the team in scoring and averaged nearly a point per-game pace with 21 points (6g-15a) in 25 games.
The PHWA chapter in each market of the 32 NHL clubs nominates one player from that team to be considered for the Masterton. The three finalists, and ultimately the winner, are selected by a poll among the 32 chapters of the PHWA at the end of the regular season and is revealed during the NHL Awards Show.
Flyers forward Oskar Lindblom was nominated by the Philadelphia chapter and was named a finalist each of the last two seasons for his courageous return after being diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma in December of 2019. Last season, Lindblom was awarded the Masterton Trophy becoming the fourth Flyer to receive the award in franchise history and first in 10 seasons, joining Ian Laperriere (2011), Bob Clarke (1972) and Tim Kerr (1989).
Hayes is currently in his third season with the Flyers organization after signing a seven-year contract on June 18, 2019. He has 44 goals and 58 assists for 102 points in 169 regular season games, and has added 13 points (4g-9a) and a +7 rating in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy was presented by the NHL Writers' Association in 1968 to commemorate the late Bill Masterton, a player with the Minnesota North Stars, who exhibited to a high degree the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey, and who died January 15, 1968.
Most recent Flyers nominees by the PHWA for the Masterton are:
2020-21: Oskar Lindblom (winner)
2019-20: Oskar Lindblom (finalist)
2018-19: Brian Elliott
2017-18: Claude Giroux
2016-17: Pierre-Edouard Bellemare
2015-16: Shayne Gostisbehere
2014-15: Nick Schultz
