An annual award to the club finishing the regular-season with the best overall record. History: Presented to the National Hockey League in 1985-86 by the NHL Board of Governors to recognize the team compiling the top regular-season record. The Washington Capitals captured the Presidents’ Trophy for the second time in franchise history in 2015-16, leading the NHL with 120 points on a record of 56-18-8. The Capitals, who won the award previously in 2009-10, broke the franchise records for wins in one season and were just one point shy of the club mark of 121 points set in their previous Presidents’ Trophy season. Washington also set a franchise record for road wins (27) while reaching the 100-point mark for the second consecutive season and the ninth time in team history. The Capitals placed second in the NHL in team offense (3.02 goals per game) and in team defense (2.33). The Dallas Stars won their first division title since 2005-06, finishing atop the Central Division and the Western Conference with a record of 50-23-9 for 109 points. The St. Louis Blues were a close second behind Dallas in the Central Division with a record of 49-24-9 for 107 points.
The trophy was introduced at the start of the 1985Ð86 NHL season by the leagues Board of Governors. Prior to this, the best team in the league during the regular season was allowed to hang a banner stating "NHL League Champions"
SeasonWinnerRunner-Up
2014-2015: Rangers Canadiens
2013-2014: Bruins Ducks
2012-2013: Blackhawks Penguins
2011-2012: Canucks Rangers
2010-2011: Canucks Capitals
2009-2010: Capitals Sharks
2008-2009: Sharks Bruins
2007-2008: Red Wings Sharks
2006-2007: Sabres Red Wings
2005-2006: Red Wings Senators
2003-2004: Red Wings Lightning
2002-2003: Senators Stars
2001-2002: Red Wings Bruins
2000-2001: Avalanche Red Wings
1999-2000: Blues Red Wings
1998-1999: Stars Devils
1997-1998: Stars Devils
1996-1997: Avalanche Stars
1995-1996: Red Wings Avalanche
1994-1995: Red Wings Nordiques
1993-1994: Rangers Devils
1992-1993: Penguins Bruins
1991-1992: Rangers Capitals
1990-1991: Blackhawks Blues
1989-1990: Bruins Flames
1988-1989: Flames Canadiens
1987-1988: Flames Canadiens
1986-1987: Oilers Flyers
1985-1986: Oilers Flyers