Mark Messier Leadership Award: Ladd, Toews, Getzlaf named finalists

Captains Andrew Ladd (Winnipeg), Jonathan Toews (Chicago) and Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim) are finalists for this year's Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.

The award, which has been handed out since 2007, recognizes captains who "exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season," according to the league.

Getzlaf, who helped Anaheim secure its second consecutive Western Conference title this season, hosts the annual Getzlaf Golf Shootout, which raised more than $300,000 this year for the charity CureDuchenne to raise awareness and fund research for those suffering from the progressive muscle-wasting disease.

He has also joined teammate Corey Perry to develop hockey in southern California through the Ducks' Learn to Play program, which offers free classes to first-time players between the ages of four and 12.

Ladd set career highs with 38 assists and 62 points to propel the Jets to their best season and the first round of the NHL playoffs.

The Jets captain is recognized for teaming up with Special Olympics, which offers sports training and competition to Manitobans with intellectual disabilities, for fundraisers, meet-and-greets, floor hockey tutorials and more. He also presented medals at the recent Special Olympics Manitoba Games.

In addition to guiding the Blackhawks to its seventh consecutive playoff spot this year, Toews is known for actively participating in Make-A-Wish visits, the Four Feathers Golf Invitational and other team endeavours in the community.

The former Winnipegger has served as the honorary chairperson of the Israel Idonije Fundraiser and supported the Winnipeg Foundation in creating its Nourishing Potential campaign.

He is also involved with Misericordia, a Chicago-based group that offers care for those with mild to profound developmental disabilities, according to the league.

The winner will be announced at the 2015 NHL Awards in Las Vegas on June 24.

Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings won the award last year.