The Lester Patrick Trophy has been presented by the National Hockey League and USA Hockey since 1966 to honor a recipient's contribution to ice hockey in the United States. 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 long time coach of the New York Rangers, who was a developer of ice hockey.

I kind of just stumbled upon this on Wikipedia checking out some Stars history, Neal Broten won the award in 1998. I do not know if maybe I am misunderstanding this award, but it seems to me contribution to ice hockey in the United States kind sums up Mike Modano's entire career. Now it does seem for the most part you do not receive the award until you retire. However; Gretzky won the award in 1994, Lamoreillo in 92', Illitch in 91', Bobby Clarke in 80', Esposito in 78' etc..

It just happens to be an award I do not think many are aware of, and one Mike Modano should and probably will receive at the end of this season. I do believe that maybe he has been somewhat overlooked, if ANYONE deserves early recognition for contribution to the game of hockey in United States it would be Modano. Gretzky paved the way for hockey in Texas, but Modano cemented it all while becoming the greatest American born player ever.