Montreal's Max Pacioretty wins Masterton Trophy for impressive comeback season

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Montreal left wing Max Pacioretty has won the Masterton Trophy for his remarkable comeback from a serious back injury.

Pacioretty won the award Wednesday night at the NHL's annual post-season awards ceremony.

Pacioretty broke a vertebra in his back and incurred a concussion on a hit from Boston captain Zdeno Chara on March 8, 2011, knocking him out for the season.

Pacioretty returned to the Canadiens last season, and had 33 goals and 32 assists for his most productive pro season.

The other Masterton Trophy nominees were Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson, who returned from off-season back surgery, and Toronto forward Joffrey Lupul, who became an elite NHL scorer after missing a year of hockey with back surgery and a blood infection.