Jonathan Toews was named the winner of the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award on Wednesday night in Las Vegas at the NHL Awards.
The award, voted by Messier, is given to the player "who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice during the regular season." It's the first time Toews has won the award since it debuted during the 2006-07 season.
Honored and shocked, the Blackhawks captain said he owes all the credit to the players around him.
"Wow, this is amazing. Definitely did not expect to be standing up here accepting this award," Toews said, after accepting his award. "I feel in so many ways unworthy. ...I definitely would like to thank my teammates. I wouldn't be where I am, right here, without those guys."
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Two weeks ago — midway through the Stanley Cup Final, Messier shared high praise for the (now) three-time Stanley Cup winner.
"I know how much pressure is put on a captain at an early age," said Messier. "Jonathan came in here when he was named captain early and has never taken a backwards step. He's grown into an incredible captain, leader, inspirational on and off the ice. The way he's carried himself, the messaging to the fans, his initiatives that he's involved in off the ice — what more can you say? Easy guy to like on and off the ice."
NHL
Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron edged out Toews for the Selke Trophy (NHL's top defensive forward) for the second straight year. Bergeron received 1,083 votes to Toews' 1,051. Toews captured the award in 2013.
Blackhawks notables
— Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson took home the Norris Trophy for the second time in his career. Karlsson had 964 votes. Duncan Keith finished in seventh, scoring 134 votes.
— Tampa Bay Lightning's Steve Yzerman won GM of the year. Stan Bowman ranked No. 10.
— Carey Price ran away with the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender. Price had 144 points. Nashville Predators netminder Pekka Rinne was the runner-up with 60 tallies. Corey Crawford came in sixth.
— Patrick Kane finished in 10th place for the Lady Byng Trophy, an award given to the player with best combining sportsmanship and ability. Calgary Flames' Jiri Hudler won the award.
Other award winners
Hart Memorial Trophy (NHL's most valuable player): Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
Jack Adams Award (NHL's top coach): Bob Hartley, Calgary Flames
Ted Lindsay Award (top player chosen by fellow players): Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
Calder Trophy (NHL's top rookie): Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey): Devan Dubnyk, Minnesota Wild