Matthews, Pettersson, Slavin finalists for Lady Byng Trophy

The Professional Hockey Writers Association has chosen Matthews to be the next person to win the award, which is given annually to the player who best combines sportsmanship, magnanimous conduct, and ability.

On Saturday, Jaccob Slavin, a Carolina Hurricanes defenseman, and Vancouver Canucks forth Elias Pettersson were also chosen as the winners.

Matthews, who was a sprinter- up for the prize in 2019- 20 and finished fourth in 2020- 21, led the League with 69 goals this year. The 26- yr- old even recorded a career- great 107 points and had 20 penalty minutes in 81 games.

Image, 25, is bidding to become the first player to win the nomination in Canucks franchise history. He totaled 89 points ( 34 goals, 55 assists ) and 12 penalty minutes in 82 games this season.

Slavin, 30, had 37 points ( six goals, 31 help ), a and- 21 score and eight penalty minutes in 81 games this season. He won the award in 2020- 21 and was sprinter- up in 2021- 22.

Anze Kopitar, the commander of the Los Angeles Kings, won the Lady Byng Trophy next year.