Arizona Coyotes’ Radim Vrbata nominated for Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

This wasn’t how he wanted it to end, not when his last season culminated in just 13 goals despite his reputation for scoring at least 20.

So at 35, winger Radim Vrbata wasn’t ready to retire.

He was going to keep playing.

Although he anticipated rejoining the Coyotes would be a seamless transition since he thrived in his previous two tours with the organization, he still had to get on the ice to find out.

When he did, Vrbata didn’t just rebound from a down season with the Canucks. He became the Coyotes’ top offensive option, celebrated the 1,000 game milestone and earned a spot as an alternate captain.

And his return now also includes getting nominated by the Arizona chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which recognizes the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

“He’s exhibited all those by the longevity he’s had, his commitment to being just a real good pro, always committed to his team,” coach Dave Tippett said. “He’s just a classy, good person. The ability to have an impact on the game after all these years, especially coming off a tough year last year, to come back and have the season he’s had, it speaks volumes for his character.”

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Vrbata embarked on his third stint with the Coyotes last summer after signing a one-year, bonus-laden deal to provide scoring from the right side and experience – responsibilities he seems to have had no problem fulfilling in a place he and his family are comfortable – a peace of mind Vrbata believes can help on the ice.

“It shows that he’s not just playing for money,” Tippett said. “He wants to enjoy the game. He wants to make sure his family is in the right spot. There’s a lot more to it than just money.”

Entering Wednesday’s game against the Blues, he led the Coyotes in goals (18), assists (35) and points (53). He had just 13 goals and 27 points the season before with the Canucks after posting 31 goals and 63 points in 2014-15 with Vancouver.

“I knew I still had it in me,” Vrbata said. “I felt in the right situation, it would show. My first season in Vancouver was unbelievable. Second one wasn’t, but I don’t think I changed as a hockey player three months over the summer.”

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Not only did Vrbata rediscover his scoring touch, he also added to his career highlights by reaching the 1,000-game plateau March 9 with almost half of those games with the Coyotes.

“Usually, I try to downplay my success,” said Vrbata, who’s eclipsed 600 career points this season. “But this is something I’m proud of.”

Besides his on-ice contributions, Vrbata has also been a role model for the team’s sizable crew of rookies with Vrbata becoming an alternate captain after the team traded center Martin Hanzal last month.

“If you want to stay in this league, it doesn’t matter if you’re young or old. You have to be proving yourself every day no matter what,” Vrbata said. “Doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 25 or 35, if you’re not performing, then you won’t be here too long in the league.”

All of this had added to Vrbata’s already impressive legacy in the Valley.

Through 504 games with the franchise, he ranks eighth in goals (155) and 11th in points (341). And since the organization relocated to the Valley from Winnipeg, his point total is the third-highest.

“There was lots of unknown over the summer,” Vrbata said. “So how everything worked out, I couldn’t probably ask for it to be better. Coming back here, personally having the season that I’ve had, achieving the goals that I had for the season, just happy with how it went personally for me.”

Reach the reporter at [email protected] or 602-444-8276. Follow her at twitter.com/azc_mclellan.