Alexander Ovechkin, Shea Weber, and John Tavares have been announced as the three finalists for the Mark Messier Leadership Award. The award is given to a player who "exemplifies great leadership qualities to the team, on and off the ice, during the regular season." Messier chooses the three finalists himself.
Ovechkin has been captain of the Capitals for six years. He works with the American Special Hockey Association and won "Washingtonian of the Year" for his work with the organization. He also gives tickets to children in the ASHA and Most Valuable Kids (Ovi's Crazy 8s).