Kurtis Gabriel, Pekka Rinne and P.K. Subban named NHL’s King Clancy trophy finalists

Kurtis Gabriel, Pekka Rinne and P.K. Subban have been named the nominees for the 2021 King Clancy Memorial Trophy.

The award is handed out annually to the player “who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.”

Gabriel, a defenceman with the San Jose Sharks, has been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community using his social media accounts to amplify messaging and educate fans and fellow players. Gabriel has supported San Jose nonprofit the LGBTQ Youth Space by donating a custom, game-worn skate to be auctioned off.

Rinne, a goaltender with the Nashville Predators, has been a franchise icon and active member of the community since his debut in Dec. 2005. Rinne and former teammate Shea Weber formed the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund raising money for cancer research, and has continued support with Make-A-Wish and the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s.

Lastly, Subban was nominated for the award for the third time having embraced philanthropic work throughout his NHL career. Since joining the New Jersey Devils, the defenceman established the Blueline Buddies program in Newark. Throughout the last year, he also met with members of the medical community, frontline workers and those who served their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.