Every year, the NHL honours players not just for their skills, but also for their behaviour on the ice. The Lady Byng Trophy is one such award. It recognises players who show top-level performance while also maintaining good sportsmanship. This year, three top names have been shortlisted – Jack Eichel, Anze Kopitar, and Brayden Point. These players have impressed fans and experts with their playing ability and gentlemanly conduct during the season.
What is the Lady Byng Trophy?
The Lady Byng Trophy is given to the NHL player who shows a great mix of talent and respectful behaviour. The award is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association after the regular season ends. It’s not just about how many goals or assists a player gets – it’s also about how fairly they play the game.
The Three Finalists for 2025
Jack Eichel – Vegas Golden Knights
Jack Eichel had a standout season with 94 points, including a career-high 66 assists. Even more impressive, he only got four minor penalties throughout the season. Among all NHL players with fewer than 10 penalty minutes, Eichel had the most points. This is his first time being a finalist for any NHL award, and he has a strong chance to win. If he does, he’ll become the second Vegas Golden Knights player to win the Lady Byng, after William Karlsson did it in 2017-18.
Anze Kopitar – Los Angeles Kings
Anze Kopitar is no stranger to this award. He has already won it twice before – in 2015-16 and 2022-23. This season, the 37-year-old played 81 games and had just four penalty minutes, the lowest among all players who played at least 55 games. He scored 67 points with 21 goals and 46 assists, all while playing almost 19 minutes a game. Kopitar’s calm and respectful play continues to set an example for younger players.
Brayden Point – Tampa Bay Lightning
Brayden Point is known for his speed and smart gameplay. This season, he scored 82 points in 82 games and only had two penalties – one for fighting and one for tripping. Among the NHL’s top 50 scorers, he had the fewest penalty minutes. Last season, he had 95 points and also stayed under 10 penalty minutes, finishing third in Lady Byng voting. This consistency in clean play makes him a strong contender again.
Other Awards Announced
Along with the Lady Byng Trophy finalists, the NHL also announced the finalists for other major awards, including the Masterton Trophy, the Selke Trophy, and the Jack Adams Award. These awards cover dedication, defensive skills, and coaching excellence, showing how the league honours every part of the game.
The Lady Byng Trophy is more than just about skill; it’s about respect, fairness, and playing with class. Jack Eichel, Anze Kopitar, and Brayden Point have all shown that you can be a top player without getting into fights or drawing too many penalties. The winner will be someone who truly represents what hockey should be – competitive, but always respectful. With each finalist having a strong case, it will be exciting to see who takes home this honour.
