Simmonds of Predators wins Messier NHL Leadership Award

LAS VEGAS -- Wayne Simmonds of the Nashville Predators won the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, presented to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities on and off the ice and who plays a leading role in his community growing the game of hockey, at the 2019 NHL Awards presented by Bridgestone on Wednesday.

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Simmonds, who was a finalist last season, had 30 points (17 goals, 13 assists) in 79 games with the Predators and Philadelphia Flyers. The veteran forward was a fixture in Philadelphia, where he was an alternate captain and served as a board member for the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation for the sixth consecutive year, visiting community rinks and engaging students.

Simmonds also served as the honorary chairman of the foundation's annual golf tournament for the fourth straight year and worked with the planning committee to host the Willie O'Ree Skills Weekend, including writing welcome letters to each participant.
Playing for the Flyers, Simmonds hosted a different military unit in a private suite and met each group at the end of every other home game. He also hosted Wayne's Road Hockey Warriors to help grow the sport in his hometown of Scarborough, Ontario, since 2012.
He was traded to the Predators on Feb. 25.
Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano and Carolina Hurricanes forward Justin Williams were the other finalists. The winner was chosen by Messier.