Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award

Description: First awarded in 2006-07, the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award is presented annually “to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season and who plays a leading role in his community growing the game of hockey.”

Voting: Mark Messier solicits suggestions from team and League personnel to compile a list of potential candidates for the award. However, the selection of the three finalists and ultimate winner is Messier’s alone.

History: Presented in honor of one of hockey’s great leaders, the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award was first handed out in 2006-07.

2025-26 Winner: Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog won the 2025-26 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award. Landeskog registered 14-21—35 across 60 games in his first full season since 2021‑22 to help the Avalanche (55‑16‑11) set a franchise record with 121 points en route to capturing their fourth Presidents’ Trophy as well as their 15th division title (and fourth in the past six campaigns). Also the 2025‑26 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy recipient, Landeskog became the first player to return to the NHL after undergoing knee cartilage replacement surgery (an operation completed in May 2023) when he rejoined Colorado for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Landeskog additionally suffered a pair of injuries in 2025‑26 that forced him to miss a combined 22 games, with the Avalanche going 10‑9‑3 (.523 P%) in his absence compared to 45‑7‑8 (.817 P%) with him in the lineup. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, Landeskog became the fourth player in franchise history to win the Calder Memorial Trophy during the ensuing 2011‑12 season before Colorado named him captain on Sept. 4, 2012 – making Landeskog one of the youngest captains in League history at just 19 years, 286 days. Since taking that leadership role, Landeskog has spearheaded the Avalanche’s transformation into one of the NHL’s most competitive franchises – highlighted by an active nine-year playoff streak, tied for the longest current run in the League (w/ TBL). Off the ice, Landeskog has been an active member in the Denver community and beyond. He has been an advocate for growing youth participation in hockey, donating game tickets and street hockey equipment while supporting local organizations. Landeskog also has focused on various anti-bullying efforts, including Friends Colorado and You Can Play.