Original: It was then awarded to the NHL playoff champion in 1925 -- 26 and 1926 -- 27 , ( replacing the O'Brien Cup ) before that team would go on to face the Western Hockey League ( WHL ) champion for the Stanley Cup .
Simplified: It was first presented to the playoff champion of the NHL ( replacing the O'Brien Trophy ) who then went on to face the Western Hockey League ( WHL ) champion for the Stanley Cup .