The Los Angeles Kings’ season may be over, but at least one player is receiving some accolades for this year’s NHL awards.
Anze Kopitar is one of three finalists for this year’s Lady Byng Trophy, which recognizes “sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability”, as voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Kopitar played all 82 games for the Kings, taking only two minor penalties in the process. (If you’re curious, because I know I was: he took two tripping penalties, one on October 22 against the Capitals and the other on December 10 against the Canadiens). That’s the fewest penalties he’s ever taken in his career.
The Kings captain led all forwards on the team in total ice time (1,665 minutes) and average time on ice (20:18). He also led the team in points, with 74 in 82 games.
That’s our Captain 🫡#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/b0eXPIMuw3
— LA Kings (@LAKings) May 2, 2023
Kopitar has received votes for the Lady Byng for every season of his career outside of his rookie season. He won the award in 2016 and finished third in voting in 2015.
The other nominees are Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils. This is the first time that Point or Hughes have been finalists for the award.
The winner of the Lady Byng will be announced during the 2023 NHL Awards, held on June 26 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
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