Opinion: Jack Campbell should be the first goalie to win the Lady Byng Trophy
Jack Campbell deserves to win the Lady Byng trophy. The Leafs breakout star goaltender is often referred to as the nicest guy in the NHL, and it's time he was recognized for it.
The Lady Byng trophy has never been awarded to a goaltender, but the criteria for it doesn't exclude them.
According to NHL.com, the Lady Byng trophy is awarded to:
"The player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability"
Just so we don't get caught up on the word «player» here is the criteria for the Hart Memorial Trophy, which has been awarded to Dominik Hasek (1997, 1998), Jacques Plante (1962).. and who could forget Jose Theodore (2002)?
"The player judged to be the most valuable to his team. The winner is selected in a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association in all NHL cities at the end of the regular season."
To me, that leaves the award open to any player on the ice. If a goalie is deserving of the award, there's no reason they shouldn't be considered eligible.
Jack Campbell is the dictionary definition of «sportsmanship». He doesn't even chop opposing forwards for screening him. He simply looks past them and stops the puck before making sure to give an encouraging tap on the shin pads to his nearest teammate.
Campbell, or "Soup", as his teammates call him is a guy who is cordial and polite in interviews, always giving his teammates credit and displaying a level of humbleness that puts even the likes of fellow nice guy goalie James Reimer to shame. He's also extremely complimentary towards his opponents, never directing an unkind word their way. Even after Matthew Tkachuk's infamous knee-drop last season, Campbell smiled through it all and refused to levy any accusations of ill intent on the controversial Flames winger. His teammates love him, the fans adore him. Even the puck likes him so much it seems to stick to him.
As for the excellent level of play required, Campbell is at or near the top of the league in nearly every measurable goaltending statistic. He's a shoo-in to be a Vezina candidate if he maintains his current level of play, and if he continues to play well down the stretch, it will be hard to vote against him for the prestigious award.
If ever there was a goalie deserving of taking home the Lady Byng, it's Jack Campbell. He's earned it, and lets be honest, how fun would it be to see Jack give an acceptance speech at the NHL awards? We've all been through a lot since the pandemic started, and a Jack Campbell Lady Byng speech is not just something we want to see, it's something we need to see.
