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Lady Byng finalists: Anze Kopitar, Cole Caufield, Jake Sanderson

By Thomson Reuters Apr 30, 2026 | 12:08 PM

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield and Ottawa Senators ​defenseman Jake Sanderson were named ‌the finalists for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on Thursday.

Kopitar is no stranger to the award, presented annually to ‌the ​NHL player who ⁠best combines sportsmanship, gentlemanly ⁠conduct and ability. He won the award in 2015-16, 2022-23, 2024-25.

The award, which will be voted ​on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, will be announced ⁠at a later ⁠date.

Kopitar, 38, recorded 38 points (12 ​goals, 26 assists) and committed five ​minor penalties while competing in his ‌20th and final NHL season. He is bidding to become the first back-to-back winner of the ⁠award since Martin St. Louis accomplished the feat for the Tampa Bay Lightning ⁠in 2009-10 ‌and 2010-11.

Caufield, 25, scored ⁠a career-high 51 goals ​to ‌go along with 88 points ​and ⁠just 14 penalty minutes this season.

Sanderson, 23, totaled 54 points (14 goals, 40 assists) and just eight penalty minutes in 67 games this season.

–Field ​Level Media