Engelland, Simmonds, Wheeler named finalists for Messier Leadership Award

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Deryk Engelland, Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds, and Winnipeg Jets winger Blake Wheeler are the 2018 finalists for the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, the league announced Tuesday.

The award, introduced in 2006-07, recognizes "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."

Fans, teams, and NHL personnel are asked to suggest nominees, but former NHL great Mark Messier selects the finalists and picks the winner, who will be announced at the NHL Awards in June.