Ryan Getzlaf, Dustin Brown finalists for NHL Messier leadership award

Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf and Kings captain Dustin Brown were named finalists Tuesday for the NHL’s Mark Messier leadership award.

The award, in existence since 2007, recognizes “the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season,” and will be presented June 24 at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews is the third finalist.

Getzlaf, who serves as Ducks captain, had a career-high 31 goals and ranked second in the NHL with 87 points as the Ducks finished with their best record in franchise history and established new bests in goals scored and home and road victories.

His charitable work includes the annual Getzlaf Golf Shootout, which in September raised more than $300,000 for CureDuchenne, a nonprofit group that raises awareness and funds research for those suffering from a progressive muscle-wasting disease, which affects one in every 3,500 boys, the NHL said.

Getzlaf and fellow first-line star Corey Perry also made a large preseason donation of hockey equipment and funds to bolster youth hockey in the Southland.

Brown’s nomination for the Messier Award is his third consecutive.

The 10-year Kings center gives $50 to various charities for every hit he delivers. This season, he chose the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit, after previously giving $70,000 to the nonprofit KaBOOM!, which built a playground in Carson the NHL says allows 100 children to play each day.

Former Edmonton Oilers great Messier takes suggestions from team and league officials, along with fan nominations, and chooses the finalists and winner himself.

Toews, the Chicago captain since 2008-09, has led the Blackhawks to a second-round Western Conference playoff appearance after his team won the Stanley Cup last year.

He volunteers to grant wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, including a special skating session with 4-year-old Nicholas Skretkowski before the 2014 NHL Stadium Series at Soldier Field. He was runner-up for the Messier last season.

Lance.pugmire@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimespugmire