Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor, Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin and Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon are the three finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy.
This honor is given annually to a National Hockey League (NHL) player who has demonstrated the best sportsmanship and good manners, while playing at a high level.
The vote was arranged among the members of the Association of Professional Hockey Chroniclers at the end of the season and the three players with the most points were nominated as finalists. The winner will be announced at the Conference Finals or the Stanley Cup Final. The exact date has not yet been announced.
Connor had his most productive season with 47 goals and 46 assists. He is fourth among NHL forwards in average playing time (21:47) and has just four penalty minutes in 79 games.
This is the first time he has been a finalist for this award.
Slavin earned the honor last season and could be the first player since Martin St-Louis to earn it in back-to-back campaigns. It was received late in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.
The American defenseman helped the Hurricanes allow just 202 goals this season, the lowest total in the NHL. Slavin also set a personal best with 42 points in 79 games and earned only 5 minor penalties.
Spurgeon is runner-up for the second consecutive season after finishing just behind Slavin on the 2020-21 ballot.
The Wild captain helped his team to their best campaign in team history with 113 points (53-22-7). In 65 games, Spurgeon also earned five minor penalties. In 12 seasons, he has taken 10 penalty minutes or less on seven occasions.
Source: Radio-Canada
