The National Hockey League (NHL) announced on Thursday that Anze Kopitar, Cole Caufield, and Jake Sanderson are the finalists for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.

The Lady Byng Trophy: A Celebration of Skill and Sportsmanship

The Lady Byng Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the player demonstrating the best sportsmanship and playing ability. It recognizes that success in hockey extends beyond statistics to include conduct on and off the ice.

Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings)

Anze Kopitar, 38, has consistently proven his value to the Los Angeles Kings. He recorded 12 goals and 38 points this season, showcasing his enduring skill and leadership.

Kopitar has previously won the Lady Byng Trophy three times (2015-16, 2022-23, and 2024-25) and is known for his professionalism and ability to avoid penalties.

Cole Caufield (Montreal Canadiens)

Cole Caufield, 25, has emerged as a scoring leader for the Montreal Canadiens. He achieved a career-high 51 goals and 88 points this season.

Remarkably, Caufield accumulated only 14 penalty minutes, demonstrating his offensive contribution without resorting to infractions.

Jake Sanderson (Ottawa Senators)

Jake Sanderson, 23, has quickly become a reliable defenceman for the Ottawa Senators, appearing in 67 games this season.

Sanderson contributed 14 goals and 54 points while accumulating a remarkable eight penalty minutes, showcasing his discipline and adherence to the rules.

Selection Process and League Values

The selection process for the Lady Byng Trophy considers a player’s overall contribution, respect for opponents and officials, and composure. The NHL’s choice of these finalists reflects the league’s commitment to upholding values of respect, fairness, and integrity.

The winner of the Lady Byng Trophy will be announced at a later date.