Lester B. Pearson Award - Most Valuable Player (NHLPA)

The Lester B. Pearson is perhaps not one of the best known player awards, but it is one that s felt very deeply by any player fortunate enough to receive it.

Named after Nobel laureate and former Canadian Prime Minister, Lester Pearson, the award is annually presented to the player deemed to be the league's most outstanding player. The award is special because it is chosen by the players themselves through the National Hockey League Player's Association (NHLPA).

THe Pearson Award was presented to the NHL in 1970-71 by the NHLPA in honor of the late Lester B. Pearson, former Prime Minister of Canada. 

The Pearson winner receives $20,000 USD to donate to a hockey program of his choice as part of the NHLPA's Goals & Dreams fund. Runners-up get to contribute $10,000 USD to the grassroots hockey program of his choice. 

Two Edmonton Oilers have had the honour of receiving the Pearson award. Wayne Gretzky received the award a record 5 times in 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1987— the streak was interrupted in 1986 by Mario Lemieux. The other Oiler voted MVP by his peers was Mark Messier in 1990, after leading the Gretzky-less Oilers to their fifth Stanley Cup championship. Messier would go on to win the Pearson again in 1992 as a member of the New York Rangers.

[back] [top]