List of National Hockey League Awards

National Hockey League, which is the organisation responsible for professional hockey in North America. The NHL is one of the most prominent professional sports organisations in the United States and Canada. It is often recognized as the world's most renowned ice hockey league.

The National Hockey League (NHL) was founded at the Windsor Hotel in Montreal on November 26, 1917, following the dissolution of the National Hockey Association (NHA), founded in 1909 in Renfrew, Ontario. The NHL gives out many awards annually to honor the best-performing teams and players. The Stanley Cup is one of the oldest awards of all, first presented in 1893.

The Stanley Cup is awarded to the team that wins the NHL playoffs. The NHL organizes a special awards ceremony in late June after the playoff season. This is where they give out most of the awards and announce the all-star selections.

List of NHL Team Awards

Team trophies in the NHL are given to the best-performing teams in the regular seasons and playoffs. One of the oldest team trophies is the O'Brien Trophy which was introduced in 1910. Many other team trophies like the Stanley Cup considered to be prestigious are given to the playoff champion team.

Stanley Cup: Introduced in 1927, the Stanley Cup is awarded to the playoff champion. It was previously known as the Challenge Cup (1893-1914).

Prince of Wales Trophy: It was introduced in 1925, and was awarded to the playoff winners (1925-27) in its initial years. It is currently awarded to the Eastern Conference playoff champion.

Clarence S. Campbell Bowl: It was introduced in 1967, and is currently awarded to the Western Conference playoff champion. It was previously awarded the West Division title (1968-74).

Presidents' Trophy: It was created in 1986, and is presented to the best team in the regular season (the team with the most points).

List of Defunct Awards

O’Brien Cup: The first big trophy in the NHL was the O'Brien Cup which was introduced in 1910. The cup was awarded to the league playoff champion till 1927, the Canadian division regular season champion (1928-38), and to the Stanley Cup runner-up (1939-50). The last recipient of the award were the New York Rangers in 1950.

The trophy was originally donated to the NHA by Canadian Senator M. J. O'Brien, in recognition of his son, NHA founder Ambrose O'Brien. The Cup is now in the collection of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

List of NHL Individual Awards

NHL gives two types of trophies one are for individual players and another one are for teams. The individual trophies are to honour players who perform best in their teams including the Hart Memorial, Conn Smythe, and many others..

Hart Memorial Award: The Hart Memorial Trophy is given to the best-performing player in the league. It was earlier known as the Hart Trophy (1923-1960). The Hart Trophy was retired to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1960 to preserve its historic significance.

Lady Byng Award: Introduced in 1924-95, the Lady Byng Trophy is awarded to a player who exhibits outstanding sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.

Vezina Trophy: Introduced in 1926-27, the Vezina Trophy is named after the former NHL goalie Georges Vezina and is awarded to the best goaltender.

Calder Memorial Trophy: Introduced in 1936-37, the award is named after Frank Calder and is given to the most outstanding rookie player in the league.

Conn Smythe Trophy: The Conn Smythe Trophy is named after former coach and team manager Conn Smythe. It was created in 1965 and is awarded to the most valuable player in the playoffs.

James Norris Trophy: Named after James E.Norris, owner of the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL, is given to the best defenseman of the season. It was created in 1953-54.

Art Ross Trophy: Named after former player-coach and team executive Art Ross, who originally donated this trophy in 1947-1948, is awarded to the player leading the league in total points at the end of the regular season.

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Given to the player who demonstrates determination, fair play, and commitment to his team and to the sport of hockey. The award is named after Bill Masterton who tragically died after suffering injury during a game in 1968.

Ted Lindsay Award: Previously known as the Lester B.Pearson named after the college athlete who later became 14th Prime Minister of Canada. The NHL later changed its name to the Ted Lindsay Award in 2009. This award is presented to the most exceptional player in the NHL and is voted by the members of the NHL Player Association. The award was introduced in 1970-71.

Jack Adams Award: Introduced in 1973-74, the Jack Adams Award is presented annually to the coach who contributes the most to his team's success (i.e. Coach of the Year).

Frank J. Selke trophy: Created in 1977-78, it is named after Frank J. Selke, former NHL general manager. This award is given to the best forward who showcases exceptional defensive skills throughout the season.

William M. Jennings Trophy: Given to the goaltenders who have played at least 25 games for their team and have the fewest goals scored against them in the regular season. It is named after former executive William M. Jennings and was created in 1981-82.

NHL Plus-Minus Award: Introduced in the 1983-1983, it is given to the player who achieved the highest plus/minus statistic during the regular season. It was last awarded in 2007-08.

King Clancy Memorial Trophy: The King Clancy Trophy is presented to the player who showcases great leadership qualities on and off the ice and contributes to the community. The award was introduced in 1987-88 and is named after King Clancy, former player turned coach and team executive.

NHL Foundation Player Award: It was introduced in 1997-1998 and is given to a player who helps people in the community. The award was last given in the 2016-2017.

Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy: It was introduced in 1998-99 and is given to the player with the most goals in the regular season. It is named after Maurice Richard, the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games.

Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award: It was introduced in 1999-2000, and is presented to the goaltender who plays at least 25 games in the regular season and records the highest save percentage. The award was last presented in 2006-2007.

Mark Messier Leadership Award: It is awarded to the player who demonstrates great leadership on and off-ice during the regular season. It is given by former player Mark Messier.

Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award: Introduced in 2009-2010, it is presented to the top General Manager in the NHL. It is named after former executive Jim Gregory.

E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence: Introduced in 2015-2016, it is presented by the NHL Central Scouting Services to the draft prospect who shows commitment to excellence in terms of character, competitiveness, and athleticism. It is named after former NHL Director of Central Scouting E.J. McGuire.

Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award: The Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award is annually presented to an individual who - through the game of hockey positivity impacts the community.

NHL Foundation Award: The NHL foundation Award is annually presented to a player who applies the core values of hockey ( commitment, perseverance, and teamwork) to enrich the lives of people in the community.