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NHL

Ted Leonsis named 2026 Lester Patrick Trophy recipient

The Capitals owner will be honored November 30 in Washington for his contributions to hockey in the United States.

By TSP Staff
Ted Leonsis wearing a red Capitals jacket and scarf at an ice rink.
Ted Leonsis in the photograph accompanying NHL.com’s October 6 award report. Capture date not specified. · Credit: G Fiume / Getty Images, via NHL.com

Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis was named the 2026 Lester Patrick Trophy recipient Tuesday, an NHL honor recognizing contributions to hockey in the United States.

Leonsis has owned a controlling stake in the Capitals since 1999. His selection follows his September 22 election as chairman of the NHL Board of Governors.

The league cited his support for youth hockey around Washington. The Capitals’ Future Caps Learn to Play program has introduced more than 12,000 players to the sport since 2016, according to the announcement.

The presentation is scheduled for November 30 in Washington during the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame induction celebration. The trophy, established in 1966, recognizes service beyond playing accomplishments.

Sources and notes

  1. NHL award announcement: https://www.nhl.com/news/ted-leonsis-washington-capitals-owner-to-receive-2026-lester-patrick-trophy
  2. Ian Oland/RMNB report: https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2026/10/06/ted-leonsis-lester-patrick-trophy-capitals-american-hockey/
  3. NHL.com photograph source: https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-owner-ted-leonsis-to-receive-2026-lester-patrick-trophy