Hurricanes' Slavin leads Byng finalists

Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Jaccob Slavin looks to become the first repeat winner of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in more than a decade.

Slavin, Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor and Minnesota Wild defenceman Jared Spurgeon were named the three finalists Wednesday for the 2021-22 award.

The Lady Byng is presented annually to the player who combines sportsmanship and fair play in conjunction with a high skill level.

Ballots are submitted by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Martin St. Louis was the last player to claim the Lady Byng in back-to-back seasons in 2009-10 and 2010-11.