The Edmonton Oilers won the first Presidents’ Trophy after the 1985–86 NHL season.
The NHL introduced the Presidents’ Trophy in 1985–86 to recognize the team with the best regular-season record. Edmonton finished that season with 56 wins, 17 losses, and 7 ties for 119 points, leading the league by a clear margin.
The Oilers then continued their dominant season by winning the Stanley Cup, defeating the Montreal Canadiens in the Final. Wayne Gretzky led Edmonton’s attack, while the club’s deep lineup made it one of the era’s defining teams.
The Presidents’ Trophy rewards regular-season performance and does not guarantee a playoff championship. Several winners have failed to win the Stanley Cup, which is why the trophy and the championship are separate achievements.