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Johnny Gaudreau Wins 2017 Lady Byng Trophy for Most Gentlemanly Player
June 22, 2017
Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau took home the 2017 Lady Byng Trophy at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas on Wednesday night.
Gaudreau beat out Minnesota Wild forward Mikael Granlund and St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko for the honor that recognizes the player who best combines sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability.
A dearth of penalty minutes generally propels players into contention for the Lady Byng, and Gaudreau epitomized that classification considering he finished the season with a career-low four penalty minutes.
Not only that, but Gaudreau piled up points aplenty for the Flames in 72 regular-season appearances. During that stretch, he led Calgary with 61 points, including 18 goals and a team-high 43 assists.
"People say 'gentlemen's award,' but I know I try to play hard every night and stay out of the box so I can be on the ice," Gaudreau said, per George Johnson of the team's official website.
"On the ice is where I help the team."
With just 38 penalty minutes to his name through three NHL seasons, the 23-year-old should find himself a finalist for the Lady Byng for years to come.
