Nathan MacKinnon is a deserving recipient of the 2020 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. The Avalanche’s fiery superstar, however, is certainly not a quintessential choice.
Winning the award speaks to his maturation since he began his NHL career with the Avs at age 18 in 2014.
“I never thought I would win this one,” MacKinnon, 25, said of the Lady Byng after being awarded it Friday. “But it’s cool and I’m very honored.”
Given to the NHL player “adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability” during the regular season, the Lady Byng and MacKinnon don’t exactly see eye to eye.