The Avalanche’s locker room leadership circle includes the expected names — the captain and other top players — and one depth player whose natural leadership qualities have made him a role model.

The Colorado chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association nominated Andrew Cogliano for the 2023 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, the annual award that goes to the NHL player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game.”

Cogliano, 35, is a 16-year NHL veteran who has only been in Colorado since the 2022 trade deadline, when the Avalanche acquired him from San Jose. He has quickly made his impact felt since then as one of the team’s hardest workers and most vocal veterans.

Every team in the league has one player nominated for the Masterton.

The award is named after the only player in NHL history to die as a direct result of an on-ice injury.

“I think it’s well-deserved,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “I’m impressed by this guy on a daily basis. Just the way he handles himself. He’s a true pro. He’s dedicated to his craft, and then he takes on a different role at different times on our team. He’s a great leader and mentor to our players, not just the young guys but our leadership core. I think they lean on him as well. We saw that last year in the playoffs, how productive and how important their line was to our success, and he’s kept it going again this year.”

Playing in the Avs’ bottom-six, Cogliano has 10 goals and 19 points this season, his most since 2017-18 with the Anaheim Ducks. He surpassed 1,200 career games this year after signing a one-year extension with the Avalanche, and he told The Post in March that he hopes to continue playing for the Avs after this season.

Cogliano gave a speech in a players-only meeting before Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final in Tampa, and he texted teammates weeks after the championship encouraging them to start working out for the next season.

“I think he’s such a great person,” Nathan MacKinnon said. “Great veteran. Great friend of mine. So I definitely lean on him for advice. Where the team’s at, what to do, what the vibe is.”