Red Wings forward nominated for prestigious award

The Detroit Red Wings announced yesterday that forward Dominik Shine will be the team's nominee for the Bill Masterson Trophy. This decision was made by the Detroit chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. 

The trophy is awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game. The award will be narrowed down to three finalists and a winner at a future date. Shine has appeared in 16 games with the Red Wings this season, recording three goals, seven penalty minutes, 11 hits and a plus-minus rating of even. 

The 32-year-old recorded his first career National Hockey League goal in a 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils on March 8. The Michigan native has spent his whole professional career within the Red Wings organization after spending four years at Northern Michigan University. 

Shine made his NHL debut with the Red Wings last season, appearing in nine games and posting one assist. A veteran of 521 AHL games with the Grand Rapids Griffins over parts of 10 seasons, Shine has continued to provide veteran leadership to the Griffins’ lineup. The forward has recorded 221 career AHL points throughout his career.

In 38 AHL games this season, Shine has recorded 21 goals and 16 assists for 37 points. While the Red Wings appear to be on the outs when it comes to the playoffs, the Grand Rapids Griffins are thriving. Should things not work out for Detroit, Shine will get an opportunity to rejoin the Griffins to take home another Calder Cup. 

Dominik Shine’s future with the Red Wings

On January 10, 2026, the Red Wings and Shine agreed to a two-year, two-way contract extension. The contract will pay Shine $875,000 at the NHL level. Shine brings a passion and physical element that the Red Wings lack on most nights, something fans have enjoyed when watching him play. 

With James van Riemsdyk, Patrick Kane and David Perron all pending unrestricted free agents at season’s end, Shine has a chance to claim a role on the Red Wings’ bottom-six forward group next season. 

A veteran, physical forward with a cheap cap hit, Shine brings an element to his game that can make him a very suitable depth piece going forward. Next season's Red Wings should look very different if the playoff drough continues. No matter what happens, though, it's safe to say that Shine will be part of the Red Wings organization for at least the next two seasons.