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.
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.
Other finalists for this year's honor were Wayne Simmonds of the Philadelphia Flyers and Blake Wheeler of the Winnipeg Jets.
