MONTREAL - The NHL announced on Monday that Brendan Gallagher was named the Canadiens' nominee for this year's King Clancy Memorial Trophy.

The award is "given to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community."

The 25-year-old forward extended his involvement with Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada during the 2017-18 campaign by staging the inaugural SKATE FOR KIDS event in Montreal, which raised funds to support children and families who utilize the institution's services.

Video: Brendan Gallagher teams up with Shriners Hospitals

"You get an understanding of what these kids are going through and the battles they have. I'm really fortunate to be able to do what I do and do what I love for a living. These kids have had a tough break in life, but the attitude they have, the positivity they have is something I can learn from - and I think a lot of us can," said Gallagher, after announcing the fundraiser in November. "To see how positive they are and the smiles they have on their faces every single day they're in here, it does a lot for us as well."

In both 2015 and 2016, Gallagher hosted a Celebrity Softball Classic in Vancouver benefitting the Shriners Hospital for Children - Canada as well.

The six-year NHL veteran also visited the Canadian Cancer Society's Jacques-Cantin Lodge this past fall. The Lodge offers housing and support to people coming to Montreal to receive cancer treatment.

"When we're away from the rink, we have an opportunity to do a lot more and impact a lot more people than we would just playing the game," explained Gallagher, following the visit. "This is just a small example of that. It's easy for me to do, put smiles on people's faces. It put a lot of smiles on my face and I just enjoyed the day."

Gallagher is actively involved in the fight against cancer in memory of his late grandfather, Matt, who passed away from prostate cancer in October 2010.

With that in mind, Gallagher is an annual participant in the Movember campaign, and personally donated $4,000 to the cause last November - $500 for each of the Canadiens' eight victories.

"It's in [my grandfather]'s name, it's all to make me think of him," Gallagher told canadiens.com on December 1. "You see these silly moustaches that we're growing, and everyone is being a part of it. It's pretty cool."

A fan favorite during the Canadiens' annual visits to local children's hospitals and the Canadiens-evenko Blood Drive, the Edmonton native is always eager to spend as much quality time as possible with his supporters.

The only player in Canadiens history to claim the King Clancy Memorial Trophy was former captain Saku Koivu, in 2006-07. He was recognized for his fundraising efforts through the Saku Koivu Foundation.