The National Hockey League announced the finalists for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on Thursday, naming Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield, and Ottawa Senators defenceman Jake Sanderson as the final three nominees.
The trophy is presented annually to the player judged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.
Your Lady Byng Memorial Trophy finalists are... 🏆 #NHLAwards
— NHL (@NHL) April 30, 2026
The trophy is presented annually to the player judged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability. pic.twitter.com/wsCXBieTLB
Kopitar, 38, scored 12 goals and 38 points in his final NHL season. The two-time Stanley Cup winner has won the Lady Byng three times (2015-16, 2022-23, 2024-25) in his career, including last season.
Caufield, 25, scored a career-high 51 goals for the Habs this season to go along with 88 points and 14 penalty minutes.
Sanderson, 23, suited up for 67 games this season, tallying 14 goals and 54 points for the Sens while taking just accruing just eight penalty minutes.
