Leafs' Lupul Nominated For Masterton: Joffrey Lupul, who remains sidelined with a separated shoulder, has been named as the Leafs' nominee for the Masterton Trophy, reports TSN.ca. (Updated 03/22/2012)
Injury Report
Shoulder - (Updated - 3/12/12)
Fantasy Analysis
The Masterton is given annually to the player who demonstrates "perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey." Joffrey Lupul was fifth in NHL scoring with 67 points in 66 games when he was felled by the injury -- that tally was indeed remarkable considering his career had been threatened in 2010 by two back surgeries and a blood infection. No word on his return from the injury but if the original timetable stands, we're looking at the last week of the season at best. (Updated 03/22/2012).
Couldve, shouldve, wouldve -- Joffrey Lupul should have been a sniping star. But injuries in his prime development years pretty much flat-lined his growth and hes been an underachiever everywhere. He didnt exactly explode after his arrival in Toronto last year but he was still getting back into game shape. And there were signs that he was developing some chemistry with linemate Phil Kessel. This year, he and Kessel will get a true playmaking center and that will benefit both men. A 30-60 season is absolutely possible if hes finally healthy. (Updated 10/4/11)
