NHL Awards 2012: Breaking Down the Odds for the Lady Byng Trophy

Snicker if you will, but the Lady Byng Trophy that goes to the player who combines a high skill level with gentlemanly conduct has been won by some of the greatest players who have ever skated in the NHL.

Perhaps it's the trophy's name, which connotes a certain daintiness. But there was nothing dainty or lady-like about Wayne Gretzky, Pavel Datsyuk, Jean Ratelle or Johnny Bucyk. All of these players (and many others) who won the award are among the sport's all-time great players.

This year's candidates include Jordan Eberle of the Edmonton Oilers, Matt Moulson of the New York Islanders and Brian Campbell of the Florida Panthers. Here's a look at each of those players and the odds on them winning the Lady Byng Trophy.

Matt Moulson, New York Islanders

It was another non-playoff season for the Ne w York Islanders, but Matt Moulson is clearly going to be an important piece of the puzzle when the team turns it around and becomes a contender again.

Moulson is a speedy winger who makes it his business to play a clean game and stay out of the penalty box. He scored 36 goals and added 33 assists this season while getting called for six penalty minutes. Moulson connected on 16.4 percent of his shots on goal.

Moulson does not go over the edge and really doesn’t come anywhere near it. After getting called for a double-minor against the Calgary Flames Dec. 6, he was not called for another penalty the rest of the season.

Odds on Moulson winning Lady Byng Trophy:  4-1

Brian Campbell, Florida Panthers

Campbell had a resurgent season with the Panthers, taking a leadership role from the back line and scoring 53 points. Campbell has the ability to make things happen on the power play with his pinpoint passing and accurate shooting. He only scored four goals this season, but rebounds and tip-in opportunities make him a valuable player on the left point.

Campbell was whistled for six penalty minutes this season, marking the second year in a row he reached that level. Campbell is one of the few defenseman to emerge as a Lady Byng candidate. No blueliner has won the award since Red Kelly of the Detroit Red Wings took the honors following the 1953-54 season.

Odds on Campbell winning Lady Byng Trophy:  6-1

Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers

Sooner or later the Edmonton Oilers are not going to have the first pick in the draft. Sooner or later, they are going to step up in the Western Conference and give their loyal fans a team that can make noise in the playoffs and create havoc on an every-night basis. When that happens, Eberle will play an important role.

He scored 34 goals and 76 points this season and he often did it with an artistry that allowed him to become a highlight show regular. Eberle was whistled for 10 minutes in penalties this year, a reduction of 12 from last year’s 22 PIM.

Odds on Eberle winning Lady Byng Trophy:  5-2