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

Field Level Media|published: Thu 30th April, 12:58 2026

Apr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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

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