Kevan Miller gets Boston’s nomination for the Masterton Trophy

The Professional Hockey Writers’ Association released its list of Masterton Trophy nominees this morning, and Kevan Miller was selected by the Boston chapter to be the Bruins’ nominee.

You can see the full list below.

It’s been tough sledding for Miller as of late. The rugged defenseman hasn’t played since April of 2019, when he was injured in a game against the Minnesota Wild.

He was reportedly rehabbing and making progress last spring, aiming to make it back for the later rounds of the playoffs, when he reinjured the same knee during the Eastern Conference Final.

Reports indicated at the time that Miller’s kneecap had initially fractured vertically, then was reinjured with a horizontal fracture (or vice-versa, the details are fuzzy).

What’s not fuzzy is that it’s been a frustrating year of rehab and setbacks for Miller, who appears to be determined to get back on the ice in spite of all of the injuries.

The Bruins already committed to extending his contract for next season, and the team seems to have hopes that another summer of rehab will get him back to 100% in time for whenever next season starts.

Miller has played in just 39 regular season games since the end of the 2017-2018 season.

The Masterton Trophy is given to players who show “perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.”

Given Miller’s tenacious and determined rehab, he’s a worthy nominee.

Here’s to hoping that Miller is able to recover fully over the summer and be back with the Bruins for the 2020-2021 season.