Anze Kopitar Adds Another Award to His Trophy Case

Kopitar only took two minor penalties this season. In a year where he helped the Los Angeles Kings reach the playoffs once again, Kopitar scored 21 goals in 81 games. Kopitar won 879 face-offs and his 57.2 face-off winning percentage was 10th among players with at least 500 face-offs taken.

This is the third time Kopitar has won the Lady Byng Trophy. He first won the award after the 2015-16 season. His second came following the 2022-23 season.

“To me, it just means being so-called a gentleman,” Kopitar said. “Hockey is a physical sport but within those parameters, I think there’s obviously room, I guess a gentleman, a good guy, having respect toward your peers, toward the officials. Just carry yourself in a way to where kids look at you, young kids look at you, what you do on the ice. I guess this exemplifies that it’s doable and I’m honored to have won it three times now and it means a great deal to me.”

Kopitar Found Out on the Golf Course

Kopitar found out he won the Lady Byng Trophy while golfing with his father. After the pair finished the first nine holes, Kopitar’s wife and kids appeared to share the good news with the Kings centre as well as present Kopitar with the Lady Byng Trophy. The heartwarming moment can be seen above.

Another Accolade for Kopitar’s Career

Kopitar is one of the best players to ever lace up the skates for the Kings. This was highlighted when Kopitar signed his latest contract extension.

In addition to his three Lady Byng awards, Kopitar has also won the Stanley Cup twice. Furthermore, Kopitar has also won the Selke Trophy (givent to the best defensive forward) and the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award once.

Next season will be the 20th season in Kopitar’s remarkable career.