Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Jaccob Slavin has been named the winner of the 2021 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player “adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”
In winning the Lady Byng, Slavin becomes just the fourth defenceman to have his name etched on the trophy, following Bill Quackenbush, Red Kelly and Brian Campbell.
“It’s an awesome honour to be awarded this,” said Slavin.
“Thanks to my management, coaching staff and Hurricanes organization. My wife and daughter have played a huge role in how I conduct myself on and off the ice, just because they’re around me, they my first line of support,” he continued.
The Hurricanes defender received just one penalty through 52 regular-season games in 2020-21, managing to stay out of the box even while skating more than 23 minutes a night as he helped guide his club to a division title. His lone penalty was a delay-of-game call for accidentally sending the puck over the glass.
Slavin is the first Cane to take home the award since Ron Francis did so in 2002.
The 2021 Lady Byng winner was chosen by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, who cast their ballots at the conclusion of the regular season.
Minnesota Wild defenceman Jared Spurgeon and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews finished second and third, respectively, in the voting.
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