The NHL, in cooperation with Mark Messier and COLD-FX, have introduced the Mark Messier Leadership Award.

Messier is consider by many, including this writer, to be the best leader in any sport, not just hockey. Who can forget in 1994, facing elimination in the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the New Jersey Devils, Messier guaranteed a win. He then went on to score a hat-trick and the team went on to win the cup. There is no one more worthy than Mark Messier to select the monthly leadership award winner.

The inaugural award was presented to Brendan Shanahan, ironically at tonight's New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils game.

Shanahan, a worthy winner for sure, did the decent thing and scored the game winner as well as blocked a shot while short-handed late in the game.
None too shabby for a 38 year old.

Rank	Player	Team	Psn.	Gms.	Gls.	Asts.	Pts	+/-	Pen.	TOI	Rating