Kings captain Anže Kopitar has been named a finalist for the NHL’s Lady Byng Trophy, awarded annually “to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”
He is joined as a nominee by Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel and Tampa Bay Lightning pivot Brayden Point.
Kopitar is now a four-time finalist for the honor (2016, 2018, 2023, 2025), having won the award in two of his three prior seasons as a short-list contender for it (2016 and 2023).
In each of those four campaigns, the Kings were bounced from the first round of the playoffs.
Twice they fell to the eventual Western Conference champions, the San Jose Sharks in 2016 and the inaugural Vegas Golden Knights in 2018. Twice more they were tossed by the Edmonton Oilers in six games, most recently losing a fourth consecutive series to the Oilers despite having tied franchise records for wins and points during the regular season. They were reverse-swept after winning Games 1 and 2.
“This one’s tough to swallow, obviously. Having the season we had, and to have the guys in this locker room and come up short again is frustrating. This one hurts a little more,” Kopitar said.
He added: “Especially having home ice, and getting off to a good start, winning the first two games, and then just not being able to close games out, it cost us.”
Kopitar had just two minor penalties this season, one of which was taken intentionally and might have saved a goal while the other didn’t even put the Kings shorthanded as the player he cross-checked was also assessed a penalty for embellishment.
Beyond the gentlemanly component of his play, Kopitar bookended his campaign with strong efforts, notching 39 points in 36 games until the calendar turned, then finishing with 21 in 24 during March and April. Entering Friday’s games, he ranked third in playoff assists and fifth in playoff points league-wide.