The National Hockey League announced Thursday that Cole Caufield, Anze Kopitar, and Jake Sanderson are the three finalists for the 2025-26 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy
The award is presented annually to the player who best combines gentlemanly conduct and sportsmanship with a high standard of playing ability.
2026 Lady Byng Trophy finalists, as voted by @ThePHWA: Cole Caufield (MTL), Anze Kopitar (LAK) and Jake Sanderson (OTT). pic.twitter.com/LPnpIiAJke
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 30, 2026
Kopitar is looking to secure the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for the fourth time in his illustrious career, potentially becoming the first player to win the award in consecutive seasons since Martin St. Louis (2010, 2011). In 67 games this year, the Slovenian center tallied 38 points (12G, 26A), propelling the Kings to their fifth consecutive Stanley Cup Playoff berth. Kopitar took just five minor penalties.
Kopitar ends his NHL playing career with 452 goals and 864 assists for 1,316 points in 1,521 games, and is the Kings’ all-time leading scorer.
Caufield made history of his own, becoming the first Canadiens player to reach the 50-goal plateau in 36 years. Even more impressive was his discipline; he had just 14 PIMS. He ended up second in the NHL with 51 tallies, only trailing Rocket Richard winner Nathan MacKinnon.
Sanderson tallied 56 points in 67 games during the regular season, narrowly averaging 25 minutes of ice time per game and picked up just four minor penatlies. Sanderson looks to become the first Sens player ever to win the award.