The Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award is the most prestigious team award in New York professional sports. It is named after NYPD Detective Steven McDonald, who was shot and injured in the line of duty on July 12, 1986. The award was established during the 1987-88 season and given to the New York Rangers player who “goes above and beyond the call of duty”.
Until his death in 2017, when healthy enough, Steven McDonald presented the award with his family. As one of those lucky to attend MSG for many of those presentations, his words often gave everyone chills. I don’t recall the year, but I remember one time he said something to the effect of, “I just have one word for the current New York Rangers team. Win.” As you can imagine, the fans lost their collective minds. His injuries made it difficult for him to speak, but the real-life hero certainly knew how to a work a crowd.
ICYMI Link: “New York Rangers Final Trade Deadline Report Card”
Now, his son, who bravely followed in his father’s footsteps, NYPD Lieutenant Conor McDonald, presents the award. As you can see here, the list of winners over the last 37 years is a veritable who’s who in recent Blueshirts history. There’s never a “sure thing”, but Rangers fans traditionally have gotten it right. For instance, the three players that have won the award the most, are three beloved Rangers who never took a shift off: Adam Graves (5x), Ryan Callahan (4x) and Mats Zuccarello (3x).
Voting is now open and Will Cuylle is the clear choice for the 2024-25 Award. In a tumultuous season clouded by controversy, a horrific stretch of winning only 4 of 19 games and 8 trades in 90 days, Cuylle has been the Rangers most consistent, impactful player from day one. The sophomore has played in all 67 games, collecting 17 goals, 19 assists (36 points), 126 shots and 244 hits (ranking 3rd in the league). Plus, he’s become a staple in the Rangers’ top six and is a regular on the NHL’s 4th ranked penalty kill.
Sam Rosen
Shout out to Dan Colucci (@coluccid2 on X), for his suggestion to give Sam Rosen this year’s Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award. Dan’s reasoning was, “he’s been the heart and soul of the Rangers for 40 years and has endured the good and the bad throughout”. Piggybacking off that idea, I think the McDonald Family and the Rangers should periodically give out the special “Steven McDonald Extra Effort Lifetime Achievement Award” to reward non-players for their contributions. That way, they could honor Cuylle for his on-ice accomplishments this year, and Rosen for his lifetime contributions (flying in John Davidson for the ceremony would be a nice touch). Plus, it sets up well for the future when folks like New York Post legendary reporter Larry Brooks, and MSG Network/Radio’s Dave Maloney retire down the road.
ICYMI Link: “No State Taxes: The True Star of the 2025 NHL Trading Deadline”
