NHL names Lady Byng Trophy finalists: Kopitar challenged by Caufield, Sanderson

AtlanticBruinsCanadiensLightningMaple LeafsPanthersRed WingsSabresSenatorsMetropolitanBlue JacketsCapitalsDevilsFlyersHurricanesIslandersPenguinsRangersCentralAvalancheBlackhawksBluesJetsMammothPredatorsStarsWildPacificCanucksDucksFlamesGolden KnightsKingsKrakenOilersSharksScores & ScheduleStandingsPodcastsFantasyNHL OddsNHL PicksPlayoff bracketStanley Cup tiersNHL Draft rankingRed Light NewsletterNHL Playoffs Soon-to-retire Kings legend Anze Kopitar has won the Lady Byng three times. Gary A. Vasquez / Getty Images Share article3Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar, Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield and Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson were announced as finalists for the NHL’s Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, given annually “to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.” Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association vote on the Lady Byng, which often goes to a high-producing player with low-penalty minutes. Kopitar, in his final NHL season, has won the award three times, including in 2024-25. This season, he registered 38 points with only 10 penalty minutes and helped the Kings to a spot in the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Colorado Avalanche. The 38-year-old is highly regarded around the league, with multiple teams staying on the ice after their final game against him so players could shake his hand. He’s likely headed to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Sanderson, the lone blueliner among the trio of 2025-26 finalists, finished 10th in Lady Byng voting last season. He played a career-high 24 minutes, 50 seconds per game this season and had 54 points in 67 games for the Senators, who, like Kopitar’s Kings, were swept in their opening-round playoff series. With eight penalty minutes during the regular season, he was one of only two defensemen in the league to play more than 60 games and log fewer than 10 penalty minutes. Caufield finished second in the league with 51 goals, by far a career high, and was a key cog for a Montreal team that looks like a legitimate contender. He played all but one game for the Canadiens and committed only 14 penalties. The Canadiens hold a 3-2 series lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning heading into Game 6 on Friday night. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms