The award is named in honour of Lester B. Pearson, Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968 and winner of the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize.
Lester B. Pearson Award Winners 2003, Markus Naslund, Vancouver Canucks 2002, Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames 2001, Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche 2000, Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins 1999, Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins 1998, Dominik Hasek, Buffalo Sabres 1997, Dominik Hasek, Buffalo Sabres 1996, Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins 1995, Eric Lindros, Philadelphia Flyers 1994, Sergei Fedorov, Detroit Red Wings 1993, Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins 1992, Mark Messier, New York Rangers 1991, Brett Hull, St. Louis Blues 1990, Mark Messier, Edmonton Oilers 1989, Steve Yzerman, Detroit Red Wings 1988, Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins 1987, Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers 1986, Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins 1985, Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers 1984, Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers 1983, Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers 1982, Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers 1981, Mike Liut, St. Louis Blues 1980, Marcel Dionne, Los Angeles Kings 1979, Marcel Dionne, Los Angeles Kings 1978, Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens 1977, Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens 1976, Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens 1975, Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins 1974, Bobby Clarke, Philadelphia Flyers 1973, Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins 1972, Jean Ratelle, New York Rangers 1971, Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins