Engelland, Simmonds, Wheeler named Messier NHL Leadership Award finalists

NEW YORK - Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Deryk Engelland, Philadelphia Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds and Winnipeg Jets right wing Blake Wheeler are the three finalists for the 2017-18
Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award
, presented "to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season and who plays a leading role in his community growing the game of hockey," the National Hockey League announced today.
Mark Messier
solicits suggestions from club and League personnel to compile a list of potential candidates for the award. However, the selection of the three finalists and ultimate winner is Messier's alone. The winner will be announced Wednesday, June 20, during the 2018 NHL Awards™ presented by Hulu at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Following are the finalists for the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, in alphabetical order:

Deryk Engelland, D, Vegas Golden Knights

Engelland registered a career-high 18 assists and 23 points while serving as the backbone of a Golden Knights team that achieved unprecedented success for an expansion franchise. He also was a fixture in the Las Vegas community following the tragic events of Oct. 1. A longtime Las Vegas resident, Engelland delivered a passionate pregame speech prior to the club's home opener on Oct. 10. Engelland and his wife, Melissa, started a program inviting those affected by the tragedy to Golden Knights home games throughout the season, meeting and thanking each guest after the games. Away from the rink, Engelland partnered with Ronald McDonald House and Three Square to help children and families in need. He also continued a five-year relationship with local firefighters that has raised more than $40,000 for children who cannot afford to play hockey.

Wayne Simmonds, RW, Philadelphia Flyers

Simmonds recorded his fifth straight 20-goal season to propel the Flyers to their eighth playoff berth in the past 11 years. He hosted a different military unit in a private suite during every other home game, meeting each group at the end of the evening. Simmonds also reached out to a group of hockey players from the U.S. Air Force, inviting them to practice and even skating with them following their tour of duty. Simmonds, who has served on the board of directors for the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation since 2014, continued to spend significant time with children from the program. He also made efforts to grow the sport in his hometown of Scarborough, Ont., where he has hosted Wayne's Road Hockey Warriors each summer since 2012.

Blake Wheeler, RW, Winnipeg Jets

Winnipeg's captain since 2016-17, Wheeler shared the League lead with 68 assists and collected a career-high 91 points to guide the Jets to their best season in franchise history. He also took on a greater role in the community, highlighted by his work as an ambassador with the True North Youth Foundation (TNYF), which aims to provide consistent and innovative programs for underserved youth in Manitoba. Wheeler launched several initiatives within TNYF during a summer visit to Camp Manitou. During the season, he spent time with students at several events, including classroom visits, the Winnipeg Jets Gala Dinner and as an on-ice instructor for the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy, a play-based program designed to increase school attendance as well as high school graduation rates in socially- and economically-challenged schools in the city.

History

Presented in honor of one of hockey's great leaders, the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award was first handed out in 2007.

Announcement Schedule

The three finalists for NHL Trophies are being announced by NBC Sports in the United States and Sportsnet/TVA Sports in Canada during pregame programming for the Stanley Cup Playoffs through Monday, April 30. The series of announcements continues on Wednesday, April 25, when the three finalists for the
Jack Adams Award
will be unveiled.

2018 NHL Awards™ presented by Hulu

The 2018 NHL Awards™ presented by Hulu will be held Wednesday, June 20, at The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's state-of-the-art concert and entertainment venue. It marks the second year that the NHL Awards™ will be held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, home to world-class entertainment, dining and party hotspots as well as concerts and special events. NBCSN and Sportsnet will broadcast the event live in the United States and Canada, respectively, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
A full lineup of presenters and entertainment will be announced at a later date. Fans can tweet about the event using the official hashtag #NHLAwards.