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Mark Messier Leadership Award Finalists: Foligno vs. Getzlaf vs. Giordano

The finalists for the 2017 Mark Messier Leadership Award were revealed on Thursday night, as you all no doubt already know having organized watch parties for the occasion.

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Nick Foligno, Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf and Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano are the three finalists for the 2016-17 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, which is presented “to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season.”

In case you were curious, Mark Messier solicits suggestions from NHL personnel and fans to compile a list of candidates. But in the end, the ultimate finalists and winner for this prestigious award are selected by Messier.

Here are the finalists:

Nick Foligno, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets

Serving his second season as captain, Foligno led Columbus to a 32-point improvement and its best campaign in franchise history. Off the ice, Foligno and his wife, Janelle, committed $1 million split between Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital in support of pediatric congenital heart care in honor of their daughter, Milana. Foligno continued a partnership with Papa John’s Pizza, raising money for the Janis Foligno Foundation – created in memory of his late mother, who died from breast cancer in 2009. The 29-year-old Buffalo native also joined his teammates for various community initiatives, including the Blue Jackets’ Meals on Wheels campaign during the holiday season.

Ryan Getzlaf, C, Anaheim Ducks

Getzlaf, Anaheim’s captain since 2010-11, powered the Ducks to their fifth straight Pacific Division title and became the first player in franchise history to lead the team in scoring for five consecutive seasons. Away from the rink, he and teammate Corey Perry continued their roles with the Anaheim Ducks Learn to Play program, which they launched together in 2013 to provide equipment and classes for first-time hockey players ages 4-12. The 31-year-old Regina, Sask., native also hosted his fifth annual golf tournament benefitting CureDuchenne, a nonprofit that raises awareness and funds for the progressive muscle-wasting disease. To date, Getzlaf and his wife, Paige, have raised more than $1.675 million through the event.

Mark Giordano, D, Calgary Flames

Calgary’s captain since 2013-14, Giordano guided the Flames to their second playoff berth in the last three years. The reigning NHL Foundation Player Award winner also maintained his longstanding contributions in the local community and beyond. Team Giordano, launched in 2014 with the Calgary Board of Education, has donated $300,000 to high-needs schools to promote improved physical fitness and academics. The initiative has impacted nearly 2,000 students, funding the purchase of equipment and encouraging children through the “5 G’s” Giordano believes are the keys to success in life. The 33-year-old Toronto native also has been an ambassador for various team programs, including Reading…Give It a Shot! since 2006-07.

WHO WINS: We always assume the winner of the Messier is the baldest player, but since Getzlaf and Giordano both qualify, we’ll go with Foligno.

Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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