Mark Messier Leadership Award
Awarded by Mark Messier for leadership on and off the ice.
The Mark Messier Leadership Award is presented annually by the National Hockey League to a player who demonstrates exceptional leadership on the ice and contributes positively to society. The recipient is chosen by Hall of Fame center Mark Messier, and the award honors those who set a positive example through their performance, ability to motivate teammates, and involvement in community service and charity work. First awarded in the 2006–07 season, the trophy was originally sponsored by Cold-fX.
In its debut season, the award was structured differently from most NHL trophies. During 2006–07, five players received monthly honors selected by the league based on eligibility criteria, with Messier making the final call. At the end of the regular season, one player was named Leader of the Year. Chris Chelios of the Detroit Red Wings was the first annual winner. Monthly awards have not been announced since the 2007–08 season.
The award’s namesake, Mark Messier, played 25 NHL seasons for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks. His 1,887 regular-season points rank third all-time behind Jaromir Jagr and Wayne Gretzky, and his 1,756 regular-season games are third behind Patrick Marleau and Gordie Howe (he holds the record for most games played including playoffs). Messier remains the only player to captain two different franchises to Stanley Cup championships, doing so with the Oilers in 1990 and the Rangers in 1994.
Quick Facts
- Sport
- Ice hockey
- Givenfor
- Individual who leads by positive example through on-ice performance, motivation of team members and a dedication to community activities and charitable causes.
- First
- 2007
- Mostrecent
- Gabriel Landeskog / Colorado Avalanche
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In its first season, the Mark Messier Leadership Award was awarded quite differently from most other trophies in the NHL. In 2006–07, five players were honored with monthly awards as selected by the NHL based on the qualification of potential recipients, while the final decision was made by Mark Messier. At the end of the regular season, one player is chosen as the Leader of the Year. The first winner of the annual award was Chris Chelios of the Detroit Red Wings. The league has not announced monthly winners since 2007–08.
The award's namesake, Mark Messier, played in the NHL for twenty-five seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks; his 1,887 regular-season points are third all-time behind Jaromir Jagr and Wayne Gretzky, and his 1,756 regular-season games third to Patrick Marleau and Gordie Howe (he is first in games played, including playoffs). Messier is, to date, the only person to lead two separate franchises to the Stanley Cup as captain, accomplishing this with the Oilers in 1990 and with the Rangers in 1994.
Reader's Guide
The Mark Messier Leadership Award is notable for its unique selection process, where the recipient is chosen directly by Hockey Hall of Fame center Mark Messier, rather than by a vote of league officials or media. This personal involvement of a legendary player adds a distinctive character to the award. The award's initial format included monthly honors, with five players recognized during the 2006–07 season before a single annual winner was selected. However, the league discontinued monthly awards after the 2007–08 season. The award's namesake, Mark Messier, is a significant figure in NHL history, ranking third all-time in regular-season points and games played, and is the only player to have captained two different franchises to Stanley Cup championships. The award thus carries the weight of Messier's own leadership legacy, emphasizing both on-ice performance and community involvement.
Did You Know?
- The award was first awarded during the 2006–07 NHL season and sponsored by Cold-fX.
- The first annual winner was Chris Chelios of the Detroit Red Wings.
- Mark Messier is the only person to lead two separate franchises to the Stanley Cup as captain (Edmonton Oilers 1990, New York Rangers 1994).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mark Messier Leadership Award?
It is an annual NHL honor given to a player who displays outstanding leadership on the ice while also making a meaningful positive impact in the community. The award celebrates both a player's ability to motivate teammates and their involvement in charity or service work.
Who selects the winner of the Mark Messier Leadership Award?
Hall of Fame center Mark Messier personally chooses the recipient each year. He evaluates candidates based on their on-ice leadership, their ability to inspire teammates, and their off-ice community contributions.
Who was the first player to win the Mark Messier Leadership Award?
Chris Chelios of the Detroit Red Wings claimed the inaugural trophy during the 2006–07 NHL season. At that time the award carried the Cold-fX sponsorship.
When did the Mark Messier Leadership Award first exist?
The trophy was introduced for the 2006–07 NHL season. In that debut year its selection structure was notably different from how most other NHL trophies are awarded.
Why is the award named after Mark Messier?
The NHL honored the Hall of Fame center, who tallied 1,887 regular-season points over 1,756 games, by attaching his name to a prize that reflects his defining traits. Messier's career was built on leading teammates and giving back to communities, making him a natural fit for a leadership-focused award.
More in NHL Trophies and Awards 1-24
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