New York, NY (Best E Casino) - Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin was named the winner of the Mark Messier Leadership Award on Wednesday.

The award, which was created in 2006, goes to the player recognized for outstanding performance on the ice, leadership skills as well as a dedication to humanitarian efforts away from the rink.

It was named to honor Messier, who won six Stanley Cups in a 25-year NHL career, captaining both the Edmonton Oilers (1990) and New York Rangers (1994) to titles.

Sundin, who completed his 13th season with the Leafs and 17th NHL campaign, recorded 32 goals and 78 points in 74 games for Toronto, which missed the postseason for the third straight year.

Over 1,305 games with Quebec and Toronto, the 37-year-old Swede has compiled 555 goals and 1,321 points. He was named team captain prior to the 1997-98 season and has held the post ever since.

Sundin is active in causes which assist in improving the health of Toronto- area youth, such as the Leafs Fund and Street Buds programs -- both of which seek to give youngsters access to good health through hockey. In addition, Sundin donates his private box at Air Canada Centre so children in the region who have overcome a variety of challenges can attend Leafs and Raptors games.

The trophy is awarded monthly during the regular season, then once more at the end of the season to a single player who exhibits those special qualities. Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios won the inaugural yearly award in 2007.