As the 2023-24 NHL regular season heads towards its conclusion, the nominations for the annual awards are underway. The Bill Masterton Trophy, presented each year since 1968 to honor the player who exemplifies qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey, has been announced by the local chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) for the Nashville Predators, with Michael McCarron being chosen as the nominee.
McCarron Emerges as a Force for the Predators
Michael McCarron has undeniably emerged as a significant presence for the Nashville Predators this season. Standing tall at 6’6”, McCarron is one of the most imposing figures on the ice in the NHL. His ability to assert himself in puck battles and his recent standout performance in the Predators’ victory over the St. Louis Blues underline his commitment to a selfless, team-first playing style. Originally selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round (25th overall) of the 2013 NHL draft, McCarron has been a part of the Nashville roster since his trade to the team in January 2020.
In the current season, McCarron has participated in 64 games, registering 22 points, with 12 goals to his credit. However, his recent surge in performance over the last five games, contributing a goal and an assist, has been instrumental in propelling the Predators closer to securing a playoff spot. While third or fourth-line centers typically don’t garner much attention from fans or analysts, McCarron’s playing style and character qualities make him a standout nominee for this year’s Masterton Trophy in Nashville. Regardless of the award’s outcome, McCarron’s towering presence, both literally and figuratively, ensures that he will be a noticeable presence whenever the Nashville Predators take to the ice this season.
