Kopiter, Caufield, Sanderson Lady Byng Trophy finalists

Winning Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Anje Kopitar of Los Angeles Kings, Cole Caufield of Montreal Canadiens And Ottawa Jake Sanderson A finalist for the annual NHL Sportsman of the Year award.

Kopitar just played the last game of his career on Sunday in a loss to the Kings Colorado snow 5-1 in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The 38-year-old longtime captain and center had just 10 penalty minutes in a final campaign that saw him score 12 goals and 38 points while averaging 19:07 of ice time while playing 67 games in a two-way role for the only franchise he still knows.

Kopitar has won the award three times. His latest nomination marks the 10th time he’s finished in the top 10 in Bye voting.

Kopita is trying to become the first back-to-back Bing winner since Martin St. Louis in 2009-10 and 2010-11. He is also aiming to become the fifth, four-time Baying winner in a group that includes Frank Boucher, Wayne Gretzky, Pavel Datsyuk and Red Kelly.

Caufield, the Canadiens’ 25-year-old right winger, was the franchise’s first 50-goal scorer in 36 seasons. He had 51 goals and 88 points while averaging 18:11 of ice time. Caulfield played in 81 games for the Canadiens this year and received just 14 penalty minutes.

This is Coffield’s first time as a Lady Buying finalist.

Sanderson, a defenseman with the Senators, was assessed just eight penalty minutes in a season that saw him finish with 14 goals and 45 assists and log 24:50 of ice time in 67 games.

The 23-year-old is a first-time finalist who finished 33rd in the voting after his rookie season and 10th in the voting after the 2024-25 season.

Bye voting was conducted by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Ballots are submitted at the end of the regular season. The top three players in the vote are finalised.