Sidney Crosby, Josh Harding, Adam McQuaid are Masterton Trophy nominees

Penguins center Sidney Crosby, Minnesota Wild goaltender Josh Harding, and Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid are this year's Masterton Trophy nominees, reports Greg Wyshynski. The award, named for Bill Masterton, goes to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey."

Crosby missed much of the previous two seasons with concussion issues, and there were concerns about how he would return. He had 56 points despite missing the final 12 games of the regular season with a broken jaw. His 1.56 points per game was tops in the NHL.

Harding was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in September 2012, although the news was not revealed until months later. He played in only 5 games during the regular season -- 63 saves out of 73 shots (86.3%) -- but put up strong performances during the playoffs after starting goalie Nick Backstrom suffered a lower body injury.

McQuaid had two surgeries in September due to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, which was thought to be a season-ending injury. Instead, he recovered enough to join the Bruins' opening-day roster in December. He had one goal, three assists and 60 penalty minutes in 32 games.