The trophy was first awarded in 1972 and won by Richard Brodeur of the Cornwall Royals.

[1] Taylor Hall won the award in 2009 and 2010 with the Windsor Spitfires making him the first repeat winner in the trophy's history.

Eight players have won the Smythe Trophy despite their team failing to win the Memorial Cup: Sam Steel (2018), Leon Draisaitl (2015), Danny Groulx (2002), Chris Madden (1998), Cameron Mann (1996), Sean McKenna (1982), Bart Hunter (1979), and Barry Smith (1975).

Stafford was part of a group that purchased controlling interest in the National Hockey League's (NHL) Toronto Maple Leafs in 1961,[3] and served as the president of the Toronto franchise and Maple Leaf Gardens for many years.

[4] The Smythe family donated the trophy to the CHL in 1972, shortly after his death.