Jesper Bratt, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

New Jersey Devils’ Jesper Bratt Nominated for 2025 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Donnah Campbell | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 7:55 PM ET

Every year, the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey. This season, the New Jersey chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association has nominated Devils’ forward, Jesper Bratt.

Jesper Bratt: A Dynamic Devil

Since being selected in the sixth round of the 2016 Draft, Bratt has emerged as a franchise star, playing a key role in the Devils’ core forward group. The recognition is well-deserved since Bratt has been a dynamic, well-rounded player throughout eight seasons in the NHL. His point production, speed, and discipline make him an elite player, perhaps one of the most underrated offensive wingers in the league.

It’s no secret that Bratt is in the middle of a phenomenal season, and the 26-year-old has been instrumental throughout the team’s road to the playoffs. Between breaking the franchise record for the most single-season assists and earning a career-high 88 points (and counting), Bratt is a prime example of leadership and dedication. He currently leads the club in points, assists, and shorthanded goals.

Bratt has been putting up impressive numbers all season long, including a 62.96 goals for percentage (GF%) and an average of 3.59 points per 60 minutes. This season, he has even rounded out other aspects of his game, namely physicality. Bratt has landed a career-high in both hits (93) and blocked shots (40).

He is also a crucial component of the Devils’ top power-play unit. Bratt has notched 30 assists on the man advantage so far this season, along with a 95.24 high-danger goals for percentage (HDGF%).

Bratt’s teammates also agree that he’s a crucial part of the Devils’ success. Captain Nico Hischier told The Hockey Writers about the respect he has for Bratt and his work ethic. “On the ice and off of the ice, he does the right things. So it’s great to have him in our colors,” said Hischier.

If Bratt wins the Masterton Trophy, he would become the third player in Devils’ history to do so. The award was last given to Brian Boyle, who won the trophy following the 2017-18 season, in honor of his perseverance while dealing with chronic myeloid leukemia.

Each team from around the league will nominate one player, meaning that Bratt will have some elite company. The Professional Hockey Writers Association will narrow the list down to just three finalists, and the winner will be announced at the 2025 NHL Awards.