In the latest NHL awards finalists revealing, we now know the Lady Byng Trophy finalists.
The NHL has announced that Auston Matthews, Nathan MacKinnon, and Ryan O’Reilly are the finalists for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. It is presented annually to the NHL player who is “adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”
It was a career-year for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews as he concluded the regular season with 47 goals and 80 points registered in just 70 games, ranking 9th in the NHL in total points.
Had Matthews just been able to score one goal more, he would have tied with Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak and Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin who both reached 48 goals apiece to tie for the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. Matthews also managed to stay out of the penalty box with having only recorded 8 PIM.
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The Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon is now in his third straight year of having recorded a minimum of 90 points with 93 points in 69 games during the 2019-20 regular season ranking fifth in points across the NHL and had a total of 12 PIM.
MacKinnon is also a nominee for the Ted Lindsay award which is given out to the NHL player deemed to be “the most outstanding player in the regular season as judged by the members of the NHL Players’ Association. MacKinnon was nominated alongside Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisatl who recorded a jaw-dropping 110 points (1st in NHL) and Artemi Panarin of the New York Rangers who recorded 96 points (4th in NHL).
St. Louis Blues forward Ryan O’Reilly did not hit the same offensive strides as the two aforementioned players due to playing on the more defensive side of his two-way game. However, he still managed to record 61 points (12 goals, 49 assists) in 71 games and also managed to stay out of the box with a lowly sum of 10 PIM. O’Reilly was also the recipient of the Lady Byng in 2014.
O’Reilly has already made clear that he is thrilled to be nominated for the Lady Byng award and had this to say.
"For myself, I take a lot of pride to be able to impact the game and also be respected in it, stay out of the box and be respected that way." https://t.co/hirgjkAP2p #stlblues pic.twitter.com/9lwuBhsBDu
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) July 16, 2020
All three of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, and the reigning Stanley Cup Champions St. Louis Blues will be included in the NHL’s Return to Play to contend for a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs so we have yet to see the last of these players this year.