Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar has won the Lady Byng Trophy for the third time, an award recognizing the NHL player who best combines sportsmanship with skill.

The announcement of the award was first reported by The Canadian Press on June 12, 2025.

Kopitar received 50 first-place votes, totaling 856 voting points, surpassing Tampa Bay Lightning's Brayden Point and Vegas Golden Knights' Jack Eichel.

Despite his individual success, the Kings were eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers for the fourth consecutive year.

During the regular season, Kopitar achieved 67 points, including 21 goals and 46 assists, while accumulating only four penalty minutes.

Kopitar, who is 37 years old, is entering the final season of his two-year, $14 million contract with the Kings.

He emphasized that the award reflects the importance of being a 'gentleman' in a physical sport, highlighting respect towards peers and officials.

Kopitar learned about winning the award while on a family vacation in Slovenia, where his children surprised him with drawings and a replica trophy.

Drafted 11th overall by the Kings in the 2005 NHL draft, Kopitar is considered one of the best players in the franchise's history.

This marks Kopitar's fourth nomination for the Lady Byng Trophy, having previously been nominated in 2016, 2018, and 2023.

The upcoming season will mark the 20th season of Kopitar's illustrious hockey career.

He has played at least 80 games in 12 seasons, the most among Kings skaters since the NHL expanded to an 82-game schedule.