From a seventh-round draft pick to a regular on one of the league’s best teams, Vincent Desharnais has had to grind his way to the top.
After four years off college hockey, Desharnais bounced between the ECHL’s Wichita Thunder and the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors for three seasons. Finally, he was rewarded with a shot in the NHL in 2022–23. Since then, he hasn’t looked back.
For his hard work and dedication, Desharnais is this year’s nomination for the Bill Masterton Trophy from the Edmonton Oilers.
The Bill Masterton Trophy
Every year, the Professional Hockey Writers Association votes for the player who best represents perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Each team’s chapter votes on their nomination, and then the whole Association votes for the overall winner.
Recent Oilers nominees include Pat Maroon, Derek Ryan, Adam Larsson, and Kris Russell.
Desharnais deserves the recognition
It took six seasons for Desharnais to get his shot in the NHL after being drafted in the seventh round in 2016.
If you’re looking for a guy who’s shown perseverance and dedication to the sport, there aren’t many better options than him.
Desharnais isn’t flashy, his defensive game has gotten him where he is today. He’s had to battle for playing time every stop along the way, whether it be college, the ECHL, the AHL or the NHL.
All his hard work has paid off, earning him a regular spot on the Oilers’ blueline playing alongside some of the best players in the world.
Congratulations to Desharnais, a worthy nominee for the Masterton.
