Team nominates Matheson for Clancy

Panthers defenseman Mike Matheson is the team’s nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, the NHL announced on Monday afternoon.

The award is given annually “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.” Each of the 31 teams nominates one player.

Three finalists will be announced April 30. The winner will be unveiled during the NHL Awards Show on June 20 in Las Vegas.

Matheson, 24, was involved in the community this season, volunteering at food trucks after Hurricane Irma hit in September, helping to wrap presents around Christmas and hosting a floorball clinic at a local school in February.

No Panther has ever won the award. Columbus’ Nick Foligno won it last season.

The selection committee will evaluate the candidates on five criteria: investment of time and resources, commitment to a particular cause or community, creativity of programming, use of influence and measurement of impact.

Matheson is the latest Panthers player that could be busy during award season. Forward Aleksander Barkov was named one of three finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy and goaltender Roberto Luongo is one of three finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.