Mika Zibanejad of Rangers wins Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award for 3rd time
Mika Zibanejad is the 2025-26 recipient of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, presented annually to the New York Rangers player
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Mika Zibanejad is the 2025-26 recipient of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award , presented annually to the New York Rangers player who “goes above and beyond the call of duty. ” The award is named after Steven McDonald, a New York City Police Detective, who was also a lifelong Rangers fan. McDonald was shot and injured in the line of duty July 12, 1986, was courageous and forgiving in his recovery, and always made an appearance at Madison Square Garden to announce the winner of the award bearing his name after the Rangers established it before the 1987-88 season.
McDonald died on January 10, 2017, from his injuries at the age of 59. 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 His widow, Patti Ann McDonald, and son, NYPD Captain Conor McDonald, presented the award to Zibanejad prior to the Rangers game Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils. It’s the third time that the veteran Rangers center won the award, which is voted on by the fans.
Zibanejad also received the most votes in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. The winner is presented a $25,000 check (in the player’s name) from Northwell Health made out to the Steven McDonald Foundation. Mika Zibanejad wins prestigious Rangers award for third time Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Zibanejad leads the Rangers with 32 goals, 69 points, and 15 power-play goals this season.