Started with 1927-28 season, as this was the first "full" NHL season, after the WHL merge. See here for details
Gave the first belt to the winner of the Stanley Cup of the 1926-1927 season, the Ottawa Senators
No playoff games were considered. The belt was only played for during the regular season
The belt carried over from last season, regardless of the team with the belt making the playoffs
Ties during a title game resulted in the current winner still carrying the belt
Standings are calculated by rolling up belt wins with the latest team accociated with that team. Example, the Detroit Falcons eventually became the Detroit Red Wings.