Lost amid the hubbub over the Dalton Prout extension and the Zach Werenski signing were the individual club nominations for the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy. The NHL presents the award annually to the player “who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey”, with each team nominating a single player. The Blue Jackets‘ nominee this year: Fedor Tyutin.
Here’s the official blurb that accompanied the Tyutin nomination:
Fedor has played 12 seasons in the NHL – the past eight of them in Columbus – playing a style that is often underappreciated. He blocks shots, takes hits to complete outlet passes, and has played through numerous injuries, even in seasons that offer no hope of a berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Tyutin, who will turn 33 in July, joined the Blue Jackets for the 2008-2009 season, and helped lead them to the club’s first appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He provided a veteran anchor on the Columbus top pair, playing an effective game premised on sound defensive fundamentals and positioning. He provided stability on the back end, and could chip in on the offensive end when needed. While perhaps a bit over-stretched as a top pair guy, he has always been one of those guys who is at his best when challenged the most, and is noticed the least. Tyutin showed up to do his job professionally,
Injuries and years have started catching up with Tyutin, whose minutes have drifted south over the past couple of years, and many expect him to be on the trading block come the off-season. If so, this nomination is a fitting tribute to a hockey player who has given his all for Columbus, and exemplifies what it means to be a true professional. Congratulations to Fedor for the nomination, and to the club for putting his name in the hat. Well played.