Only one of these esteemed players, recognized for their gentlemanly conduct, will ultimately receive the award.
Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights, Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings, and Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lightning have been announced as the three finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy. Their selection was based on votes from the Professional Hockey Writers` Association.
According to the NHL, the Lady Byng Trophy is presented annually to the player recognized for displaying outstanding sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct alongside a high level of playing skill.
At 28, Eichel had a career-best season, achieving a Golden Knights franchise record with 94 points (28 goals, 66 assists). Playing an average of 20:32 per game over 77 contests, the former second overall draft pick remarkably accumulated only four minor penalties.
Kopitar, 37, is aiming for his third Lady Byng Trophy, having previously won in 2016 and 2023. If successful, he would join Pavel Datsyuk (four wins) and Martin St. Louis (three wins) in an elite group of players with three or more wins. The Kings` captain posted 67 points (21 goals, 46 assists) and helped lead his team to a second-place finish in the Pacific Division. Over 81 games, he was assessed just two minor penalties.
Point, 29, reached both the 40-goal and 80-point marks for the third consecutive season, contributing to the Lightning`s second-place finish in the Atlantic Division. The nine-year veteran played 77 games and accumulated only seven penalty minutes, stemming from just one major and one minor penalty.
