BROOKLYN – The National Hockey League announced that forward John Tavares has been named a finalist for the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, given “to the player who exemplifies leadership qualities to his team on and off the ice during the regular season.”
Suggestions for nominees are solicited from fans, clubs and NHL personnel, but the selection of the three finalists and the ultimate winner is made by Messier. The other finalists are Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin and Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber. The NHL will announce the winner of the award on Wednesday, June 22 at the 2016 NHL Awards in Las Vegas.
Tavares led the Islanders to their second consecutive 100-point season and their third playoff appearance in four years during his seventh season with the team and third year as captain. The Oakville, ON native’s 33 goals and 70 points were both team highs, while his five game-winners co-led the Islanders. Tavares registered 17 multi-point games and posted a career-best plus-6 rating.
The Islanders’ first-overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft continued the Tavares’ Teammate program, which has provided tickets and VIP game experiences for sick and underprivileged children – from Special Olympics and Ronald McDonald House, among other organizations – for the past five seasons. To date, Tavares has personally donated more than $32,000 to create these special game experiences at Islanders games. He also spearheaded the Islanders’ fundraising for their Military Appreciation Night, donating $5,000 to help the club host more than 300 active and retired service members at the team’s military night on November 8.
