With the NLL season now in the record books, thoughts now turn to awards season. Although there is likely one clear leader for the Most Valuable Player award, there are some other worthy candidates to consider as well.
Mark Matthews—Edmonton Rush Matthews was a beast for the Rush in 2015, leading them to the best record in the West Division during the regular season and then helping the Rush earn their first Champion’s Cup in franchise history. In his best season yet, Matthews notched 115 points. That was good for second-best in the NLL scoring race. He was in the Top 5 in the league in goals (53—second most), assists (62—tied for fourth), and power play assists (23—tied for third). His 115 points are also now tied for the third most in a single season in league history. Not bad for a player who is only in his third year in the NLL and, at age 25, is just entering his prime.
Ryan Benesch—Buffalo Bandits Right behind Matthews in league scoring was Ryan Benesch who enjoyed a career best season as well. Benesch was tops in the NLL in goals (55), third in points (112), and tops among forwards in loose balls, proving he’s more than just a sniper.
Josh Sanderson—Toronto Rock Consideration also needs to be given to Josh Sanderson, who led the Toronto Rock to the finals, although they would be stopped by Matthews and the Rush. For the fifth time in his career, Shooter broke the 100-point barrier, notching a total of 102. He also broke the league record for assists in a season when he recorded his 83rd of the year on the last day of the schedule. However, someone would tie that record later that evening…
Shawn Evans—Calgary Roughnecks I don’t think there should be much doubt that the winner is going to be Shawn Evans of the Calgary Roughnecks. In his third-straight 100-point season, Evans blew away John Grant Jr.’s single season scoring record by recording 130 (Grant Jr. notched 116 points in 2012). He tied Sanderson for the league record for assists in the season (83), led the league in powerplay assists (31) and shorthanded goals (five), was third among forwards in loosies (96) and fourth among forwards in caused turnovers (10). Evans picked up at least four points in every regular season game and went over 10 four times. Top-to-bottom, this was simply an extraordinary year. At almost a point per game better than the next-best player in the NLL, Evans is a no-brainer for the MVP award.
