Ryan Jones Nominated for NHL's Bill Masterton Trophy

Chatham’s Ryan Jones is the Edmonton Oilers nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy. Jones scored a career high 18 goals this season and overcame the odds to perform at the level he has.

This attribute led to his nomination for the award which is given each year to the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance and dedication to hockey.

The 26-year old player is a graduate of the Chatham-Kent Cyclones organization, as well as the local Great Lakes Junior C loop, and the Chatham Jr. B Maroons.

After being claimed off waivers from the Nashville Predators, Jones was given opportunities to play both a checking and scoring role for the Edmonton Oilers this season who were plagued by injuries. Earlier in the season, Jones turned down the initial contract extension offer from the Oilers, however the two parties remain in negotiations.

Jones is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Masterton trophy will be handed out along with the NHL’s other major awards June 22 at the annual NHL Award Ceremony in las Vegas. Last season the Masterton Trophy was awarded to goaltender Jose Theodore.