Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs has officially been recognized by the NHL for his contributions to hockey after being awarded the 2015 Lester Patrick Trophy, along with legendary Rangers and Kings scout, Bob Crocker. The trophy is given to those who make a substantial impact on the National Hockey League. (Lester Patrick dedicated a half-century of his life to the improvement of hockey in general and made an impact in the league as a player, coach, and general manager.)
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While the Lester Patrick is a prestigious award, it makes you wonder when the NHL will create the Milt Schmidt Trophy. (Schmidt received the Lester Patrick in 1996.)
Jeremy Jacobs has owned the Boston Bruins for the last forty-0ne years. He’s been the Chairman of the NHL’s Board of Governors since 2007 and is a member of the League’s Executive Committee. He is respected by other executives throughout the league, and he was responsible for one of the most important recent changes in the National Hockey League. He’s also earned his fair share of controversy as well.
Jeremy Jacobs had a hand in the last two lockouts. These lockouts did not do him any favors with the fan base, or the players. Those lockouts cut the 2012-13 season in half, and obliterated the entire 2004-05 season. For the damage that caused, he did help fundamentally change NHL hockey for the better. The second greatest effect of the 2004-05 lockout was the NHL adopting a salary cap. That salary cap made it possible for several teams to join the league. It also made most of the teams competitive without having to dilute the talent pool. Finally, it had the added bonus of guaranteeing that the Montreal Canadiens just couldn’t buy their way into another Stanley Cup final.
Puck Prose
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement congratulating the long-time Bruins owner for his contributions to the NHL and hockey in general.
“By honoring Jeremy Jacobs and Bob Crocker, the Lester Patrick Award selection committee has recognized the dedication and drive of two important contributors to hockey in the United States. Jeremy Jacobs – as owner for 41 years of the NHL’s first U.S.-based team and long-serving Chairman of our Board of Governors – has provided unparalleled vision, innovation and inspiration to the advancement of hockey and the NHL. As a coach, a scout and a hockey executive, Bob Crocker has devoted decades to the development of young American players. Congratulations to both on this long overdue recognition.”