Since the 1970-71 season, the members of the NHLPA have selected and recognized whom they consider the “Most Outstanding Player” for that season, by way of secret ballot. Known from 1970-71 until 2008-09 as the Lester B. Pearson Award, the honour was presented to 22 different players over 38 seasons. The Award has been known as the Ted Lindsay Award since it was reintroduced in April of 2010.

The Award was originally named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada. Pearson was a Canadian statesman, a diplomat and a noted politician. He was the recipient of the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize for international diplomacy and his government was directly responsible for the introduction of universal health care, the Canada Pension Plan and the unveiling of the current Canadian flag. Pearson was a great proponent of Canadian culture and was an avid sportsman. Pearson played and excelled at many sports, including hockey, during his days as a student at the University of Toronto and Oxford University in England. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and respected Canadian leaders of the 20th century. Lester B. Pearson passed away in December, 1972, at the age of 75.

The “Most Outstanding Player” award has been voted on by the members of the NHLPA since the Award’s inception in 1970-71 when Phil Esposito was named the inaugural recipient. Some of the most decorated names in the history of hockey have been honoured recipients of the Award. This list includes Phil Esposito (1970-71, 1973-74), Bobby Orr (1974-75), Guy Lafleur (1975-76, 1976-77, 1977-78) and Alex Ovechkin (2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10).

“In a fierce game like hockey, with the physical battles that go on all season, it’s a special feeling when those same opponents are the ones who voted for me,” said Jarome Iginla, 2001-02 Lester B. Pearson Award recipient, when discussing the importance and prestige of receiving this award from fellow NHLPA members.

Wayne Gretzky is the most decorated Award recipient, taking home the honour on five occasions, including four consecutive years (1981-82 – 1984-85). Mario Lemieux captured the Award four times (1985-86, 1987-88, 1992-93 and 1995-96) over the span of 11 years, but never received the Award in back-to-back seasons. Only two goaltenders have ever walked away with the Award; Mike Liut (1980-81) and Czech Republic-born superstar, Dominik Hasek (1996-97 and 1997-98).

In 1993-94, Sergei Fedorov became the first non-Canadian born player to win the Award, setting the stage for other European-born winners, Hasek, Jaromir Jagr (1998-99, 1999-00 and 2005-06), Markus Naslund (2002-03) and Ovechkin.

The “Most Outstanding Player” award has blazed a trail in the world of professional sports as the only award voted on by the players themselves. The honour and prestige of being recognized by their fellow NHLPA members is something that the recipients, as well as all players, hold in high regard. Next to winning the Stanley Cup, there is no more rewarding an honour than to be recognized by one’s peers.

Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, the two final Pearson Award recipients, both commented on the significance of being honoured by their fellow players. “I think it’s huge for a player to win this award. It tells a lot about the way you are viewed around the league,” Ovechkin said after receiving the 2007-08 Lester B. Pearson Award, his first of two consecutive Pearson Awards. “I think all players want to win this trophy.”

A dual recipient of the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Lester B. Pearson Award in 2006-07, Crosby said, "I'm not going to say the writers' opinion doesn't matter, but to be recognized by the guys you play against every night is an honour."

2008-09 was the 38th and final presentation of the Lester B. Pearson Award, with the shift to the Ted Lindsay Award taking place for the 2009-10 season. The history of the “Most Outstanding Player” award is etched with excellence. The Award has always been emblematic of outstanding performance and leadership, chosen by those who know best - the players. While the name has changed, the history of the Award and its significance to the members of the NHLPA has not diminished and is being carried on by the Ted Lindsay Award.

For the Ted Lindsay Award’s inaugural year, the honour was once again given to Alexander Ovechkin. The Russian superstar became the first player since Wayne Gretzky from 1982-83 to 1984-85 to claim the Players’ award in three consecutive seasons.

“In a fierce game like hockey, with the physical battles that go on all season, it’s a special feeling when those same opponents are the ones who voted for me,” said Jarome Iginla, 2001-02 Lester B. Pearson Award recipient, when discussing the importance and prestige of receiving this award from fellow NHLPA members.

Wayne Gretzky is the most decorated Award recipient, taking home the honour on five occasions, including four consecutive years (1981-82 – 1984-85). Mario Lemieux captured the Award four times (1985-86, 1987-88, 1992-93 and 1995-96) over the span of 11 years, but never received the Award in back-to-back seasons. Only two goaltenders have ever walked away with the Award; Mike Liut (1980-81) and Czech Republic-born superstar, Dominik Hasek (1996-97 and 1997-98).

In 1993-94, Sergei Fedorov became the first non-Canadian born player to win the Award, setting the stage for other European-born winners, Hasek, Jaromir Jagr (1998-99, 1999-00 and 2005-06), Markus Naslund (2002-03) and Ovechkin.

The “Most Outstanding Player” award has blazed a trail in the world of professional sports as the only award voted on by the players themselves. The honour and prestige of being recognized by their fellow NHLPA members is something that the recipients, as well as all players, hold in high regard. Next to winning the Stanley Cup, there is no more rewarding an honour than to be recognized by one’s peers.

Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, the two final Pearson Award recipients, both commented on the significance of being honoured by their fellow players. “I think it’s huge for a player to win this award. It tells a lot about the way you are viewed around the league,” Ovechkin said after receiving the 2007-08 Lester B. Pearson Award, his first of two consecutive Pearson Awards. “I think all players want to win this trophy.”

A dual recipient of the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Lester B. Pearson Award in 2006-07, Crosby said, "I'm not going to say the writers' opinion doesn't matter, but to be recognized by the guys you play against every night is an honour."

2008-09 was the 38th and final presentation of the Lester B. Pearson Award, with the shift to the Ted Lindsay Award taking place for the 2009-10 season. The history of the “Most Outstanding Player” award is etched with excellence. The Award has always been emblematic of outstanding performance and leadership, chosen by those who know best - the players. While the name has changed, the history of the Award and its significance to the members of the NHLPA has not diminished and is being carried on by the Ted Lindsay Award.

For the Ted Lindsay Award’s inaugural year, the honour was once again given to Alexander Ovechkin. The Russian superstar became the first player since Wayne Gretzky from 1982-83 to 1984-85 to claim the Players’ award in three consecutive seasons.

 “Most Outstanding Player” Award Recipients: