Winnipeg Jets defenceman Neal Pionk has been named the team’s nominee for the 2024-25 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. The winner is selected by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA).

The 29-year-old earned the Winnipeg Chapter’s nomination after enduring the tragic loss of his best friend and former college teammate, Adam Johnson, who passed away last year following a freak on-ice accident.

“It’s a prestigious honour,” Pionk said. “Obviously, a lot of guys have gone through some stuff, and I’ve certainly had loss in my life in the last year. I just thank the guys for helping me through it.”

Pionk has appeared in 66 games this season, recording 37 points (9G, 28A), and 44 penalty minutes in another solid offensive campaign. He’s currently sidelined with a lower-body injury but is considered a game-time decision for Thursday’s pivotal matchup against the Dallas Stars.

Reflecting on the past year, Pionk opened up about the lasting impact of grief and the importance of continued support.

“The first initial shock of it is tough. Tough for everyone,” he said. “Where it gets really hard is when the noise settles down. I try to keep reaching out to his family, even recently. Everyone reaches out right away, but eventually things get quiet—and that’s when you have to regroup and be there again.”

Over his NHL career, Pionk has played 533 games between the Jets and New York Rangers, tallying 254 points (43G, 211A), and 296 penalty minutes.

“The situation that happened last season was extremely hard on him,” a team source said. “But he managed to find a way to play through it. He spent time with the Johnson family over the summer, visited Adam’s wife… It’s been incredibly difficult, especially when he’s not playing hockey, but Neal’s handled everything with professionalism and grace. He’s truly honoured to be recognized.”

Each of the NHL’s 32 teams has submitted a nominee. Three finalists will be named, and the winner will be announced in June.