| NHL Plus-Minus Award |
| Established |
1982–83 NHL season |
| Current holder(s) |
Pascal Dupuis |
| Awarded to the |
A player, having played a minimum of 60 games, who leads the league in plus/minus statistics |
The NHL Plus-Minus Award is a trophy awarded annually by the National Hockey League to the ice hockey "player, having played a minimum of 60 games who leads the league in plus/minus statistics."[1] It is sponsored by a commercial business, and it has been known under five different names. First given for performance in the 1982–83 season, Wayne Gretzky has won the award the most times, three, and also led the league once prior to the inception of the award. Bobby Orr has led the league the most times in plus-minus, with six, all prior to the inception of the award. Pascal Dupuis of the Pittsburgh Penguins is the most recent winner.
History [edit]
The plus/minus statistic was first established during the 1967–68 NHL season. This statistic reflects a player's ability to contribute offensively and defensively.[2] The award was first given at the end of the 1982–83 season. From 1982–83 to 1987–88, it was known as the Emery Edge Award. During 1988–89, there was no formal name for the trophy. From 1989–90 to 1995–96, it was known as the Alka-Seltzer Plus Award. From 1996–97 to 1997–98, it was known as the Bud Ice Plus-Minus Award. Finally, from 1998–99 to the present, it has been known as the Bud Light Plus-Minus Award.
Three-time winner Wayne Gretzky has won the award the most times out of any player and is one of only three repeat winners, joined by two-time winners John LeClair and Chris Pronger. Gretzky recorded the highest result, +98, of all award winners. The award has been won by players on the Edmonton Oilers and Detroit Red Wings 4 times each, with 3 wins by players on the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues.
Including the fifteen seasons the league tracked plus/minus as a statistic without an award, the Boston Bruins have led the league 10 times (six by Bobby Orr, the only other repeat leader), Edmonton Oilers 5 times (four by Wayne Gretzky, including three official awards) and 4 times each by players on the Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, and Philadelphia Flyers.
Winners [edit]
Thomas Vanek, one-time winner
Martin St. Louis, one-time winner
Chris Pronger, two-time winner
Michal Roszival, one-time winner
Player is still active in the NHL
Plus-minus leaders (1967–1982) [edit]
Before 1983, there was no award for leading the league in plus-minus. The NHL started counting the statistics in 1967, and this lists all the leaders from the inception of the statistic to the inception of the award.
^ During the 2005–06 season, there was a tie between Michal Roszival of the New York Rangers and Wade Redden of the Ottawa Senators.
^ During the 2003–04 season, there was a tie between Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lighting and Marek Malik of the Vancouver Canucks.
^ During the 2002–03 season, there was a tie between Peter Forsberg and Milan Hejduk of the Colorado Avalanche.
^ During the 2000–01 season, there was a tie between Joe Sakic of the Colorado Avalanche and Patrik Elias of the New Jersey Devils.
^ During the 1990–91 season, there was a tie between Marty McSorley of the Los Angeles Kings and Theoren Fleury of the Calgary Flames.
^ During the 1998–99 season, Alexander Karpovtsev led the league with a +39 rating. However, he played in 58 games and was ineligible since there is a 60 game minimum. Therefore, LeClair was given the award.
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- General
- Specific
