NHL AWARDS
About NHL Awards:
NHL gives several awards annually and also, the trophies for acknowledging the teams and their players. The most ancient and renowned award is Stanley Cup. This award for the first time was conferred in the year 1893, for the playoff champions. Stanley Cup was the 3rd trophy that was used like a league championship, during the initial 9 yrs of NHL existence.
Evolution of NHL Trophies:
O’Brien Trophy was officially the 1st champion trophy ever awarded to playoff champions in the year 1918 and 1923. Later, the Prince of Wales Trophy got the place of O’Brien Trophy, which got retired consequently in the year, 1924. This trophy occupied the position of League’s championship till the death of Western Hockey Team, next to hockey season of 1926. Finally, the Stanley Cup was individually of the National Hockey League. Prince of Wales Trophy, at present is still active award. This award currently is given to playoff champs of Eastern Conference. Another award named as Clarence S Campbell Bowl that was developed in the year 1967, is conferred upon the champs of Western Conference. The youngest or newest team trophy is named as President’s trophy, which is given in every season starting from 1986 to the champions.
Other Important Trophies:
An individual trophy was first time awarded during the year 1924, for league’s best player and was named as Hart Trophy. Next was Lady Byng Trophy, it was bestowed to best gentleman player of League. Two years hence, Vezina Trophy conceptualized for best top goaltender of NHL. In 2007, Mark Messier Leadership Award got created. It is the most recent additions to the NHL awards.
