Steve Sullivan, one of the most electrifying players ever to dress for the Albany River Rats and a member of their 1995 Calder Cup title team, was named winner of the NHL's Masterton Trophy Thursday night in Las Vegas.

Now 34, Sullivan earned the award in a vote of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, beating out finalists Chris Chelios of Detroit and Richard Zednik of Florida.

The Masterton is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Back ailments and resulting surgeries kept Sullivan out of action for nearly two years, from Feb. 22, 2007 until Jan. 10 of this year.

Sullivan had 32 (11g, 21a) points in 41 games for the Nashville Predators following his return, including 27 points (11g, 16a) in his last 25 games.

In his career, Sullivan has 609 points (239g, 370a) in 764 NHL games for New Jersey, Toronto, Chicago and Nashville. He made his pro debut for Albany in 1994-95 and played parts of three seasons for the Rats, scoring 171 points (72g, 99a) in 143 games.

"Obviously coming back and playing is definitely the most important thing, and that was my biggest thrill," Sullivan told the Daily News Journal of Murfreesboro, Tenn. "But being recognized by the writers is definitely a great thrill and a great honor. I was a little nervous (at the podium), but I was also a little choked up, knowing what it took to come back and all the hard work."

An unrestricted free agent, Sullivan hopes to re-sign with Nashville. His agent is Rochester-based Steve Bartlett.