AJ Petronzi
In Play! Magazine
While the Lester B. Pearson award may have a permanent residence in the personal trophy case of Alexander Ovechkin, it may not have a permanent name. There is speculation that the award may be changing names.
The reason? Toronto recently renamed its airport in honor of Pearson, who was a one of Canada’s most popular Prime Ministers. However, the National Hockey League Players Association’s (NHLPA) award may change to honor someone who had more to do with the players union.
In fact, the person who is proposed to be honored by the renaming is none other than Ted Lindsay, Hall of Fame forward for the Detroit Red Wings. Lindsay was very influential in the formation of the NHLPA, putting his career on the line to organize players to vote for its creation. The union was Lindsay’s dream and it would be fitting that its player award be named after him.
So maybe this year Ovechkin will not walk away with the Pearson Award, but very well might get the Ted Lindsay Award.
