The award is presented to the individual who is “recognized as a superior leader within their sport, and as a contributing member of society.” – courtesy of Wikipedia.

Messier himself will choose the winner and while the award is recognizing the player’s efforts to lead on the ice, the award also focuses on those players that provide a dedication to their local communities, activities and charity causes.

All three finalists are always mentioned when you hear about local charities or community events, it’s what makes these players’ leaders.

The award which was founded in 2006-07 was first presented to legendary defenseman Chris Chelios.  Mats Sundin, Jarome Iginla, Sidney Crosby, Zdeno Chara and Shane Doan have followed as the recipients of the award, making it a list of who’s who that take home the hardware.

Regardless of who wins the award this season, it’s another name that represents tremendous leadership around the game of hockey.  It’s also fitting that all three players are still playing in the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, reminding us all that they are true leaders that help their clubs perform at the highest level possible.

May the best man win.

Stalberg has been a healthy scratch for the first two games of the series that saw the Red Wings steal home ice advantage from the Blackhawks after an impressive 4-1 game 2 victory.

According to Powers, Stalberg practices on the third line during the Hawks practice on Sunday and according to head coach Joel Quenville, Stalberg will give his club a much needed boost in speed.

“I think that’s one of his strengths — his quickness and his speed, be it off the rush, loosening up coverage, going wide on D, maybe getting some entries on his own.”

Hearing that Stalberg was a healthy scratch for the first two games was somewhat surprising given he played in all 48 of the regular season games except one.  He managed to put up 9 goals and 14 assists during the regular season but stumbled in the first round of the playoffs with just one assist against the Minnesota Wild.

Quenville points to the fact that Dave Bolland‘s return for game one of this series led to Stalberg being the odd man out and it’s unclear at this time who would be sitting for game 3 in Detroit.

Powers notes that Bolland skated on the second line during Sunday’s practice while forward Michael Handzus and defenseman Johnny Oduya missed the session.  Quenville says both are fine but give it’s the playoffs, one can never be sure what to believe.

Crawford served as the bench boss with the Avalanche from 1994-1998 which included a Stanley Cup Championship during the 1995-96 campaign.

With Joe Sakic being named the new vice president of hockey operations for the Avs, Strickland isn’t so sure if he would be interested in bringing back Crawford for a reunion.  A young group of players that are still in the rebuild stage, the Avalanche need a leader behind the bench along with someone that can teach them the game.  Crawford has that experience given his resume of five NHL head coaching positions along with a stint in Switzerland this past year.

Sakic and company are said to have a deep list of potential candidates that include former Avalanche star, Patrick Roy who has been coaching in the QMJHL.

Other candidates are said to include Lindy Ruff, former long time coach of the Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Eakins, Dean Chynoweth and former Dallas Stars head coach, Dave Tippett.

Strickland hears that Sakic and Tippett have a tight relationship that could make him the favorite.  Stay tuned, as the Avalanche get set to make their announcement we’ll keep you posted right here at Too Many Men.