Caufield, Sanderson and Kopitar named finalists for 2025-26 Lady Byng Trophy

Montreal Canadiens' Cole Caufield (13) scores on Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) during third period NHL hockey action, in Montreal on Saturday, April 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Montreal Canadiens right-wing Cole Caufield, Ottawa Senators defenceman Jake Sanderson and Los Angeles Kings centre Anze Kopitar are the finalists for the 2025-26 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.

The NHL announced the finalists Thursday for the award given annually to the player voted the best at combining sportsmanship with playing ability.

Caufield led the Canadiens with 51 goals, becoming Montreal’s first 50-goal scorer in 36 years, while taking 14 penalty minutes.

Sanderson was Ottawa’s top-scoring defenceman with 14 goals and 40 assists in 67 games, logging a team-leading average ice time of 24:50 and receiving eight penalty minutes.

Kopitar, in his 20th and final NHL season, recorded 38 points with a plus-19 defensive rating and recorded 10 penalty minutes in 67 games.

Caufield and Sanderson are first-time finalists. Kopitar has won the award on three previous occasions, including last season.

The three finalists were selected by Professional Hockey Writers Association members who voted after the regular season.


This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30, 2026