Over the weekend, the NHL announced the three finalists for the 2016 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov joins Los Angeles Kings pivot Anze Kopitar and Boston Bruins winger Loui Eriksson in the final trio. The Lady Byng is awarded to the “player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”
The 20-year old Barkov finds himself in fine company on the strength of the best season of his young career. The third-year pro set career-highs with 28 goals, 31 assists and 59 points. Barkov spent just 8 minutes in the penalty box while posting a +18 rating in 66 games.
Kopitar scored 74 points (25G/49A) for the Kings this season. It was the sixth time in his career his hit the 70-point mark. Kopitar collected just 16 PIM in 81 games.
Eriksson played in all 82 of the Bruins’ regular season games, registering 30 goals (second-highest on the team) and 33 assists. The 30-year-old Swede amassed just 15 PIM while racking up 15 mulit-point games.
Who should take home the Lady Byng?
| Aleksander Barkov | 48 |
| Anze Kopitar | 4 |
| Loui Eriksson | 2 |