It is considered a non-NHL trophy because it may be awarded to players, coaches, officials, and other personnel outside the NHL.

The trophy is named after Lester Patrick (1883–1960), player and longtime coach of the New York Rangers, who was a developer of ice hockey.

[1] It honors the late Lester Patrick, who was a general manager and coach of the club.

It is presented annually for "outstanding service to hockey in the United States".

Granato was also a member of the 1998 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team that received the trophy in 1998.