Bobby Clarke, Lanny McDonald, Charlie Simmer, Mario Lemieux, Pat LaFontaine, Steve Yzerman…
Just an abbreviated list of players who have won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
And now Steve Sullivan can add his name to that list.
At the NHL Awards ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada last night, Steve Sullivan became the first Nashville Predators player to ever win post-season hardware. After battling back injuries that kept him out for almost two years, Sullivan accepted the award which is awared to the player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.”
In an emotional speech, Sullivan thanked his family calling them his “rocks throughout this two year roller coaster ride,” the Predators front office, players, coaches and fans among others.
Sullivan is an unrestricted free agent come July 1 and it’s no secret that he’s priority number one to David Poile. There are mixed feelings on what he could get on the open market. Darren McFarland and Willy Daunic of 104.5 The Zone recently spent an hour of their afternoon drive program talking about possible (and probable) contract offers for Sullivan.
McFarland suggested the Preds should offer him “no less than $6 million but no more $7.” Several callers suggested a $5 million price tag. While the only offer that matters is the one that David Poile will suggest, the consesus seems to be $6 million over 2-years. The two years suggest a commitment to Sullivan giving his injury-prone past but not long-term enough to get the Preds in trouble were he to have a setback.
Whatever the offer, Preds fans would absolutely love to see Mr. Masterton — ur, Mr. Sullivan — in a Preds sweater come October.
Congraulations Sully! You deserve every bit of that award and every bit of the honor it carries.
— PHOTO CREDIT: RYAN REMIORZ / ASSOCIATED PRESS —
ARTICLE EDITED UPON CLARIFICATION FROM DARREN McFARLAND OF 104.5 THE ZONE