Brent Burns, Mark Giordano, Henrik Lundqvist named finalists for the NHL Foundation Player Award

Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks, Mark Giordano of the Calgary Flames and Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers are the three finalists for the 2014-15 Foundation Player Award given to “an NHL player who applies the core values of hockey – commitment, perseverance and teamwork – to enrich the lives of people in his community,” the National Hockey League announced Friday.

There is not much you can really say about this except, all three finalists were both super charitable and awesome. Another one of those awards where even being nominated is a good deal.

Per the release:

NHL clubs submitted nominations for the NHL Foundation Player Award and the finalists were selected by a judging panel. The NHL Foundation will present $25,000 to the chosen charitable organization of this year’s recipient.

So again, everything is roses when it comes to this award. But beyond that, the nominees and their charitable endeavors:

Why Brent Burns Deserves The Foundation

From the NHL:

Known as a fun-loving individual both on and off the ice, Burns is heralded for his passion for giving back to the game and fans who have treated him so well. Over the past nine years, he and his family have supported several military organizations, including Defending the Blue Line, Operation: Care and Comfort, and Folds of Honor. In addition to his support of the service sector, Burns has established “Burnzie’s Buzzcut” – a fundraiser in which he and his teammates shave their heads to raise money and awareness for charities such as the San Francisco Zoo and Katie Moore Foundation, in support of close friend and former teammate Dominic Moore.

No argument here. Goes to show that in spite of Burns’ outward weirdness, he cares deeply about people he’s close with.

Why Mark Giordano Deserves The Foundation

From the NHL:

The Flames’ captain has demonstrated a strong commitment off the ice throughout his tenure in Calgary. In 2011, Giordano and his wife launched “5-for-5,” a community program – in partnership with Habitat for Humanity – in which they donated $25,000 for three seasons to help build five homes in five countries (including Kenya, Ethiopia, India and the Philippines). He also created Team Giordano in the fall, donating $100,000 to provide resources and support for three Calgary schools. Beyond these personal endeavors, Giordano continues to participate in various team initiatives, including visits to Ronald McDonald House and Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Talk to people around the Flames, and all basically say that Giordano is just a good dude, no more, no less.

Why Henrik Lundqvist Deserves The Foundation

From the NHL:

Lundqvist’s on-ice performance has only been matched by his passion for helping those in need. His efforts have included generating awareness, raising funds and increasing the impact of 28 nonprofit charities he supports through a pair of organizations – the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation and the Garden of Dreams Foundation, the latter of which he has served as a spokesman for since 2009. Lundqvist also has dedicated time and raised funds for various other causes, including fighting hunger, curing pediatric cancers, improving access to quality education, and aiding children and families in need.

Lundqvist seems to have embraced all things New York and looks to help the city’s needy when he can.

Our Top Choice/Who Wins

All three are fine selections. Again, it’s one of those awards that shouldn’t be up for debate or questioning. They’re all worthy.

- - - - - - -

Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper

MORE FROM YAHOO HOCKEY