Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin were named the finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy, awarded to the NHL player “adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”
Matthews led the league in goals with 69 in 81 games played this season while only recording 20 penalty minutes for the second consecutive season. This is Matthews’ third time as a Lady Byng finalist. He finished second in voting during the 2019-20 season and third in 2020-21.
Pettersson, a Lady Byng finalist for the first time, recorded his third consecutive 30-goal season with the Canucks, helping the team return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season. The Swedish forward also had 12 penalty minutes.
Slavin won the Lady Byng in 2020-21 and was the runner-up the following year. The defenseman scored six goals and 37 points in 81 games with the Hurricanes and amassed just eight penalty minutes. It’s the fourth time in his career that he’s recorded eight penalty minutes or fewer in a season.
Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar was last year’s winner.
The nominees for the Selke Trophy, given to the league’s best defensive forward, will be revealed Sunday morning.
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(Top photo of Auston Matthews and Elias Petterss0n: Jeff Vinnick / NHLI via Getty Images)
