Goaltender Craig Anderson backstopped the Ottawa Senators with a 25-11-4 record while posting a 2.28 goals-against-average and a .926 save. Off this ice however, Anderson's perseverance and dedication were tested. He had to take several leaves of absence from his team during the season to be with his wife, Nicholle, who was battling a rare form of cancer.
Also nominated for the award were Andrew Cogliano of the Anaheim Ducks and Derek Ryan of the Carolina Hurricanes.