King Clancy Memorial Trophy

Description: First awarded in 1987-88, the King Clancy Memorial Trophy is presented annually “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”

Voting: Each NHL team submits a nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The winner is selected by a committee consisting of Commissioner Gary Bettman and former winners of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy as well as the NHL Foundation Player Award.

In determining the winner, the selection committee considers the criteria of a nominee’s inspiration, involvement and impact to positively benefit his community.

History: The King Clancy Memorial Trophy was presented in 1988 by the NHL’s Board of Governors in honor of Frank “King” Clancy, a beloved figure in the League for decades as a player, referee, coach, manager and goodwill ambassador. A three-time Stanley Cup champion and 1958 inductee to the Hockey Hall of Fame, Clancy was voted as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players during the League’s Centennial Celebration in 2017.

Charitable Donations: The King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner receives a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. The winner also is eligible to elect that his team receive a grant from the NHL, up to $20,000, to help organize a special activation related to his humanitarian cause.

2025-26 Winner: Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno won the 2025‑26 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. Alongside his family, Foligno helped establish the Janis Foligno Foundation, created in loving memory of his mother who passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer. In 2025‑26, Foligno and his brother, Nick, participated in the Foligno Face-Off, a fundraising campaign part of Hockey Fights Cancer powered by the V Foundation, with 100 percent of donations going toward life-saving breast cancer research. What began as a sibling rivalry when the brothers played on different teams, the Foligno Face-Off fundraising campaign evolved into a joint effort when Nick was traded to the Wild, joining Marcus as a teammate for the first time in their NHL careers. The Foligno Face-Off raised more than $200,000, funding a new grant for breast cancer research that will be named in honor of their mother, creating a legacy in her memory. As a Hockey Fights Cancer Champion, Foligno dedicated his time to meeting breast cancer patients and survivors. Throughout the season, Foligno spent time listening to their stories, offering encouragement, and expressing admiration for their strength and resilience. These interactions went further than brief introductions and instead created genuine moments of connection and support between the Wild forward and members of his community.