Craig Anderson has been selected by the Ottawa branch of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association as the team's 2016-17 nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Named in honour of Bill Masterton, a Minnesota North Stars centre who died as the result of an on-ice injury in 1968, the award is given out annually to the NHL player "who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey."

It's been a trying season off the ice for the 35-year-old goaltender. His wife, Nicholle, was diagnosed with a rare form of throat cancer in October. After leaving the team to be with his wife, Anderson returned on October 30 in an emotional, 37-save shutout performance against the Edmonton Oilers.

Anderson again left the Sens to be at his wife's side while she underwent treatment in New York in December, coming back to the club after the All-Star break.

On March 11, Anderson set the Senators record for goaltender wins at 147 with a 4-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche and has been instrumental to the club's pursuit of the Atlantic Division title.

In 34 games this season, Anderson has a 22-10-2 mark with a goals against average of 2.32 and a .927 save percentage.

Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr was the 2016 recipient of the award.