Messier Award

[#96 0]

I kinda get it, and I kinda don't. I don't know about on a month-to-month basis, but definitely a season end award. But no one better to name the award after, that's for damn sure. That's my boy...

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=184175&hubname=nhl

[mack 44]

Great, another superfluous award. Not that he wasn't a great leader nor am I against recognising good leaders but how the hell do you gauge something like this?

[McCabe24 0]

I'm just glad it isn't an award exclusive to the Rangers. As far as criteria goes, above average stats with some reputation for leading on a successful team should do it. I would think Drury, Sundin, Lidstrom, etc.

[djinferno 2]

sad that they did not give a trophy for Wayne yet, i would give it to the assist leader at the end of the year... Hell Gretz has more assist then anyone has points...

[mack 44]

Yeah but before they give Wayne an award they need to add another defenceman award for actual defencive defencemen. It's hard to believe someone like Rod Langway won it before when you look at today's criteria for the award. Now it seems like anyone can be a finalist so long as you put up a lot of points without looking like a complete Gonchar in your own end.

[Datsyukiandeek 0]

An award for best captain is sort of pointless but if you're gonna name it after anyone it should be Stevie Y.

[Chadd 916]

Great, another superfluous award. Not that he wasn't a great leader nor am I against recognising good leaders but how the hell do you gauge something like this?

I'll have to agree with you and wonder who actually thought this had to be done.

[Chadd 916]

Great, another superfluous award.  Not that he wasn't a great leader nor am I against recognising good leaders but how the hell do you gauge something like this?

I'll have to agree with you and wonder who actually thought this had to be done.

Bettman's NHL...

And Mess pimps himself out yet again to stay in the headlines. At least Wayne went away for a while when he retired.

[McCabe24 0]

He is going to present the first one on Tuesday at MSG, so common sense says one of the guys in my avatar will get it

Elias...

[Eazy_b97 1]

Brutal award and stupid idea. So much of the stories don't come out until well after the season is over and it's very much a matter of opinion. Quiet leader vs Outspoken? Who defines leading? It's just such a fluff award. Especially if it's being handed out at MSG this week, leading one to believe it's Jagr or Elias, neither of which has lead their team to a great start.

As good as Messier was, this shouldn't be at the top of the NHL's "things to do" list.

[mack 44]

My thinking is a real leader wouldn't accept an award for being one.

[mack 44]

They got one?

[Eazy_b97 1]

Come on Eazy...You know its going to a Ranger. Just like you said it is all fluff and the fluff thing to do would be for "The Captain" to give it to a NYR at MSG.

You mean Messier giving the first "Leadership award" to a guy who was run out of Washington because he stopped try and didn't want to play for a loser? The league really needs this award.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Guess the rumours of trouble in the room aren't as heavy in NY as they are in the GTA? Or the rumours that Kaspar was the leader last year? Or the fact NYR overachieved, but he was hardly the leader some others were. Take Yzerman for exampl in his last season with the Wings? Not really a better choice although they won the confrence? Brind'Amour for the Canes?

The problems in the NHL are highlighted by this award in my eyes. Why was this even a consideration? Why announce it before he hits the HoF next season? Why not time it together? Hell, why not name it after Roy who was considered one of the best leaders at his position? Why announce it this week rather than at the start of the year. It just seems like it is a forced issue on something that happened recently.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Tsn and Snet carried it. I'm fairly sure heard it from Kypreos before I heard it from Eklund.

I thought the award was for last year? That mean's Kaspar's AHL status is irrelevant. If it's for this past month you'll have an even tougher time convincing me Jagr is deserving.

[Eazy_b97 1]

I'm just saying it's a brutal idea and makes little to no sense in my eyes. I'll wait to see if Jagr gets it, but I am really hoping not. Especially if the award is meant to have any integrity.

I mentioned last year because you stated Jagr's achievements then.

[#96 0]

I don't think it's that silly. Not for what it means anyway, that being recognizing leadership both on and off the ice. It's the monthly award basis that I think is too much. Like Mack said, how are you really gonna guage something like that.

But then again, during the season, certain guys take the game into their own hands and run with it. Right now, I have to give it to Shanny. That guy is doing everything for the Rangers. I know Jags leads in points, but Shanny is givin up the body, playing the PP and PK, etc., etc.

And I also agree with Chadd, this is just another gigg to keep Mess in the light, selling the game.

[hockechamp14 0]

But then again, during the season, certain guys take the game into their own hands and run with it. Right now, I have to give it to Shanny. That guy is doing everything for the Rangers. I know Jags leads in points, but Shanny is givin up the body, playing the PP and PK, etc., etc.

Those were my first thoughts after hearing about the award. Shanny has been tearing it up!

I'm excited to see where they go with this award. Most interesting to me is what off ice leadership qualifies as. Giving good interviews? Having a personality? or is it spending time with disease patients and donating money to chairities and hospitals?

[#96 0]

And Shanny it is!

How many times did Messier say "Cold FX" during his interview on Versus? Damn. I take it back, this is no serious award, it's just another marketing partnership. Cold FX with the NHL.

[Eazy_b97 1]

I didn't hear the interview, but it couldn't have been any worse than his interview on SportsNet. He comes off like a used car salesman.

[mack 44]

Does he have outstanding bets with Wayne's wife or what? Good lord.

[#96 0]

I didn't hear the interview, but it couldn't have been any worse than his interview on SportsNet. He comes off like a used car salesman.

Haha! Yup, sure does.

[JR Boucicaut 3797]

So what is the actual award?

[Datsyukiandeek 0]

I guess he'll never get sick of the fame.. I was shocked as hell while I was walking through Walmart the other day. Seen a giant picture of Messier over a Cold-X display. 95% of the people in my town probably have no clue who the guy is, guess that "* Former NHL Great" is there for a reason :lol:

[#96 0]

So what is the actual award?

Do you mean is there a trophy or what it actually is awarded for?

I know the winner gets $5,000 to donate to their charity of choice.