Capitals owner Ted Leonsis to receive Lester Patrick Trophy for service to American hockey

Washington Capitals controlling owner Ted Leonsis has been named the recipient of the 2026 Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service to hockey in the United States, the NHL announced on Tuesday. Leonsis, who has owned the Capitals since 1999 and serves as CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, will formally receive the honor during the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Washington, D.C., on November 30.

Under Leonsis' leadership, the Capitals won the 2018 Stanley Cup and recorded 1,085 regular-season wins through the 1999-2000 season onwards. His organization has also overseen significant youth hockey growth across the D.C. region, including the construction of 14 outdoor rinks and a 225-percent increase in female participation with USA Hockey.