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.