Anze Kopitar’s third Lady Byng Trophy isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a symbol of integrity in a sport where honor and toughness often go hand-in-hand
As the debate over how to judge sportsmanship continues, Kopitar stands as living proof that greatness isn’t just measured in goals — but in grace.
While Kopitar’s stats will eventually place him in conversations about the Hall of Fame, it’s moments like these—the quiet trophies, the respectful demeanor, the unexpected golf course surprises—that shape how he’ll truly be remembered.
He’s not just a point producer or a Cup winner. He’s a role model, a leader, and now officially, one of the NHL’s most respected gentlemen.
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Anze Kopitar Wins Third Lady Byng Trophy
A Gentleman of the Game
Anze Kopitar, the long-time cornerstone of the Los Angeles Kings, has once again etched his name into NHL history by claiming the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for the third time in his illustrious career.1
The award, which recognizes sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability, was previously won by Kopitar in the 2015-16 and 2022-23 seasons.
With this triumph, Kopitar becomes just the 10th player in NHL history to win the Lady Byng three or more times, joining an elite group that includes the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Pavel Datsyuk.
The Slovenian center continues to demonstrate that skill and civility can indeed coexist on the ice.
Always great to have you around my friend! https://t.co/ASw4ICQZd7
— Anze Kopitar (@AnzeKopitar) November 28, 2024
The Lady Byng Trophy: A Legacy of Grace
The Lady Byng Trophy holds a unique place among NHL awards. Unlike trophies that celebrate sheer dominance, scoring prowess, or defensive grit, the Lady Byng celebrates grace under pressure.
It honors players who not only contribute significantly to their team’s success but do so with minimal infractions and maximum respect for opponents, officials, and the sport itself.
Lady Evelyn Byng, the wife of Canada’s Governor General in the 1920s, donated the original trophy, which was first awarded in 1925.
The honor has evolved but still retains its original essence: promoting respect and decorum in the highly physical world of professional hockey.
Anze Kopitar’s Case: Why He Deserved It Again?
In the 2023-24 season, Kopitar finished with 74 points in 82 games, including 28 goals and 46 assists.2
What’s more telling, however, is that he did so while amassing only four penalty minutes — a staggering feat for someone who logged heavy minutes against top opposition as a top-line center.
His ability to maintain such discipline, even while leading by example in the most competitive moments, underscores why he’s such a respected figure not just within the Kings organization but throughout the league.
The Consistency of Character
It’s not just the numbers that earned Kopitar this latest honor. His leadership as team captain, his conduct toward referees, and the way he handles victories and defeats with equal humility all add to the reputation he’s built over nearly two decades in the league.
Kopitar doesn’t chirp opponents excessively. He doesn’t retaliate after questionable hits.
Instead, he keeps his focus on controlling the game through poise, vision, and sharp decision-making — qualities that perfectly align with the Lady Byng’s spirit.
Controversy Brewing: Should Referees Pick the Winner?
Despite the celebration of Kopitar’s accomplishment, a debate has stirred within the hockey community.
During a recent episode of The Sheet with Jeff Marek podcast, NHL insider Greg Wyshynski made headlines by questioning the current voting process, which is conducted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA).
Wyshynski argued that hockey writers are not the best-equipped individuals to assess “gentlemanly play” on the ice.
“The Professional Hockey Writers Association has turned the Lady Byng voting into who has the most points and the fewest penalty minutes,” he said. “We don’t know how to assess gentlemanly play on the ice.”
The Writers vs. the Officials Debate
Wyshynski’s remarks struck a nerve. His suggestion that referees, not writers, should vote on the Lady Byng makes a compelling case.
“We know who’s nice to us in the locker room after the game, but we sure don’t know who’s nice on the ice,” he added.
His main argument revolves around the idea that referees witness the interactions, respect levels, and attitudes of players in real-time.
Unlike journalists who rely heavily on stats and post-game interviews, referees observe conduct directly, from stick taps to cheap shots — and everything in between.
Anze Kopitar: Who Is He?
A Model for Future Generations
Whether or not the voting process changes, Anze Kopitar’s third Lady Byng win sends a powerful message.3
In a game often dominated by aggression and physicality, there’s still room — and reward — for elegance and respect.
Kopitar, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Selke Trophy winner (best defensive forward), has long been recognized for his two-way play.
But now, with this third Lady Byng, he may be remembered just as much for how he carries himself as for how he performs.
A Trophy That Still Matters
In many ways, the Lady Byng stands as a quiet protest against the notion that you have to play dirty to win. It reaffirms that character counts, and that class on the ice is not a weakness — it’s a form of strength.
Whether referees, writers, or players vote on it in the future, what matters most is that this award continues to spotlight athletes like Anze Kopitar who elevate the game not just through their skills, but through the way they honor the sport.
Could Change Be Coming?
The NHL has shown a willingness to evolve its awards and recognition systems in the past. While Wyshynski’s proposal may not lead to an immediate overhaul, it does raise valid questions about how we define and reward sportsmanship in a modern era.
Perhaps a hybrid voting system — involving referees, writers, and former players — could bring more balance and insight into the Lady Byng selection process.
Until then, players like Anze Kopitar will continue to lead by example, proving that being a gentleman in hockey is never out of style.
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Anze Kopitar Reflects on Winning the Lady Byng Trophy
Anze Kopitar, the longtime captain of the Los Angeles Kings, has always been known for his poised demeanor and clean style of play.
This year, his sportsmanship and overall class on the ice earned him the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, an honor awarded annually to the NHL player who exhibits outstanding sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.
With only two minor penalties in 81 regular-season games, the Slovenian star was a worthy recipient of this prestigious accolade.
A Trophy Presentation on the Greens
In a delightful and unexpected twist, Kopitar wasn’t presented with the award in the typical sports ceremony setting. Instead, it came during a family golf outing, as his children surprised him with the trophy on the ninth green.
“I thought it was going to just be a friendly 10 holes of golf with family and then a little bit of lunch,” Kopitar said with a smile. “So this was a very pleasant surprise when the kids brought it out.”
This touching moment reflects both his humility and the close-knit nature of his family. It’s a unique memory that goes beyond the statistics and further underlines the grace with which he handles both personal and professional achievements.
Anze Kopitar: Defining a Gentleman in a Rough Game
When asked about what the Lady Byng Trophy means to him, Kopitar’s response revealed his deep respect for the integrity of the sport.
“To me, it just means being so-called a gentleman,” he explained. “Hockey is a physical sport but within those parameters, I think there’s obviously room… a good guy, having respect toward your peers, toward the officials. Just carry yourself in a way to where kids look at you, young kids look at you, [and see] what you do on the ice.”
His sentiment reinforces the idea that success in hockey doesn’t have to come at the cost of sportsmanship.
Kopitar’s clean style of play and his ability to still produce at a high level prove that respect, discipline, and effectiveness can coexist on the ice.
A Season of Quiet Dominance
Kopitar’s 2023–24 season was nothing short of excellent. At 36 years old, he showed no signs of slowing down, putting up 67 points (21 goals, 46 assists) in 81 games.
He was a consistent presence on the ice, both offensively and defensively, maintaining his role as a top-line center while mentoring younger teammates.
In the playoffs, he elevated his game further, notching nine points (two goals, seven assists) in just six games.
While the Kings were eliminated in the first round, Kopitar’s leadership and composure continued to shine, both in the dressing room and on the scoresheet.
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A Career Built on Character
Drafted 11th overall in the 2005 NHL Draft, Anze Kopitar has spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Kings.
From the moment he entered the league, he quickly established himself as one of the game’s premier two-way centers.
More than just points and trophies, Kopitar’s career has been marked by quiet leadership and integrity. He’s never been one for flashy headlines or controversial antics. Instead, he’s let his play speak volumes while carrying himself with professionalism and dignity.
His two Stanley Cups (2012, 2014) and two Selke Trophy nominations are a testament to his consistency and importance to the Kings organization. But now, the Lady Byng Trophy adds another layer to his already well-rounded resume.
Minimal Penalties, Maximum Impact
- Accumulating only two minor penalties over the entire regular season is no easy feat, especially for a top-line forward who logs heavy minutes and often matches up against the opposition’s best players.
- This discipline isn’t a result of passivity but of high hockey IQ. Kopitar knows where to position himself, how to use his stick responsibly, and when to engage physically without crossing the line.
- It’s a testament to his technical mastery of the game, combining brains with brawn in a balanced and effective way.
- His ability to stay out of the penalty box doesn’t just help his personal record—it benefits the team by minimizing time spent shorthanded, keeping him available during key moments, and setting an example for others to follow.
- In his comments, Kopitar alluded to his desire to be a positive influence for young fans watching him.
- “Carry yourself in a way to where kids look at you, young kids look at you, [and see] what you do on the ice,” he said.
- This level of awareness is part of what makes Kopitar a standout figure in the sport. He recognizes that being a professional athlete is about more than just performing—it’s about embodying values that transcend the game.
- In an era where behavior is constantly under scrutiny, Kopitar’s steady, respectful presence is more important than ever.
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