The NHL’s Lady Byng Memorial Trophy 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,” and Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson has been named a finalist for it.
Two other players, Buffalo Sabres forward Ryan O’Reilly and Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov, have also been named finalists for the award.
Karlsson, 25, led the Golden Knights in their historic inaugural season with 78 points and 43 goals in 82 games, shattering his previous career highs in points (19) and goals (9) set with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He also led the entire NHL with a ridiculous plus-49 rating.
The winner of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy will be announced at the 2018 NHL Awards on June 20, which, in all likelihood, will be a very busy evening for the Golden Knights.