Mika Zibanejad Wins 2026 Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award
The award, named for the late NYC Detective Steven McDonald, has been presented since 1988 to the player who "goes above and beyond the call of duty."
Every year, the New York Rangers honor the legacy of late New York City Police Detective, Steven McDonald. Since the award's inaugural season in 1988, it is given to a player as voted on by the fans, that "goes above and beyond the call of duty." The meaning of this award has only amplified in the years that followed the passing of McDonald in 2017 as his legacy has become an important part of the New York Rangers community.
Last season, Will Cuylle was given the award and this year, for the third time in his Rangers tenure, Mika Zibanejad was named the 38th recipient of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award.
Going the extra mile - day in and day out.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 31, 2026
Congratulations to Mika Zibanejad on being named this season's @NorthwellHealth Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award Winner → https://t.co/kSrzp66AqK pic.twitter.com/eycYG84muI
While it hasn't been the best season for the Rangers as a whole, Zibanejad has had a true bounce back year from last season, leading the team with 32 goals, 37 assists for a total of 69 points up to this point in the season. Zibanejad just celebrated 1,000 games played in the NHL and continues to cement himself in the Rangers' history books along the way. Zibanejad ties his old linemate Mats Zuccarello who has also won the award a total of three times. Ryan Callahan and Adam Graves are the only other former Rangers to win the award more than three times.
Conor McDonald, son of NYPD hero Detective Steven McDonald, announces Mika Zibanejad as this this season's Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award Winner. 🙌@NYRangers | #NYR | @NorthwellHealth pic.twitter.com/8KVWP8eOZH
— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) March 31, 2026
Congrats to Mika Zibanejad on a well-deserved honor!
