Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Center Aleksander Barkov named a finalist for Lady Byng Trophy
Two days after missing out on being a Selke Trophy finalist, Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov was named a Lady Byng Trophy finalist on Friday night.
Barkov, along with Vegas forward William Karlsson and Buffalo forward Ryan O’Reilly were named finalists for the award that celebrates “the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”
Voting was conducted by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association at the end of the regular season.
Barkov finished second in the voting two seasons ago and 13th last season. Regarded as one of the best defensive forwards in the NHL, Barkov only amassed 14 penalty minutes this season, but had two roughing calls (both in the same game on Oct. 7 against Tampa Bay). Barkov posted career-highs with 51 assists and 78 points. His 27 goals were one away from his career-high of 28.
O’Reilly only had two penalty minutes this season while scoring 24 goals and assisting on 37 more. Karlsson, meanwhile, had 43 goals and 35 assists while only amassing 12 penalty minutes.
Barkov owns one of the best sticks in the league, with 82 takeaways (fifth in the NHL) and only one hooking or slashing call this season. The 22-year-old Finland product has never been in a fight.
Defenseman Brian Campbell is the only Panthers player to ever win the Lady Byng Trophy in 2011-12.
The winner will be announced June 20, during the NHL Awards in Las Vegas.
The Bill Masterton Award finalists will be announced on Saturday night. Goaltender Roberto Luongo is Florida’s nominee for the award that is given “to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey.”