In a significant achievement for the Montreal Canadiens, Captain Nick Suzuki and forward Cole Caufield have both earned prestigious NHL awards. Suzuki received the Selke Trophy, while Caufield claimed the Lady Byng Trophy. The announcement was made by the NHL on Friday.
Selke Trophy Awarded to Nick Suzuki
The Selke Trophy recognizes the league’s best defensive forward. This year, Nick Suzuki, a first-time finalist, stood out among his peers. He concluded the season with impressive statistics, achieving 29 goals and a career-high of 101 points.
Suzuki played a crucial role on his team by taking nearly one-third of Montreal’s faceoffs, boasting a success rate of 50.4 percent. He was not only a leading forward in ice time but also contributed defensively during penalty kills and six-on-five situations. His win marks the first Selke Trophy for a Canadiens player since Guy Carbonneau in 1992. Suzuki garnered 151 out of 198 first-place votes.
Cole Caufield Wins Lady Byng Trophy
Cole Caufield, the Canadiens’ leading goal scorer, was awarded the Lady Byng Trophy. This accolade celebrates sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in the sport. Caufield had an outstanding season, netting 51 goals, making him Montreal’s first 50-goal scorer in 36 years.
Additionally, he incurred only 14 penalty minutes, the fewest among 45 players who scored at least 30 goals. In a competitive voting process, Caufield outperformed three-time winner Anze Kopitar and Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson. He received 45 first-place votes, more than any other player, securing his first Lady Byng Trophy.
Playoff Journey and Team Triumphs
Together, Suzuki and Caufield were pivotal in leading the Canadiens to the Eastern Conference Final. The team achieved notable playoff victories, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres in hard-fought seven-game series. However, their playoff run ended with a loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Acknowledgment by the Professional Hockey Writers Association
Both the Selke Trophy and Lady Byng Trophy were awarded based on votes from the Professional Hockey Writers Association at the close of the regular season.
Their impressive performances not only highlight their individual skills but also reflect the exceptional teamwork that propelled the Canadiens through a successful season.
