After another disappointing Toronto Maple Leafs playoff loss, it's time to break up the core four forwards and that might mean moving on from Mitch Marner, who becomes a free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season. For the third time in his NHL career, Auston Matthews was a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy. But the Toronto Maple Leafs star finished third in voting, losing out to Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin The award is given to the player who demonstrates exceptional sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, alongside a high level of playing ability. It was the third time Matthews was a finalist for the award. He finished second in voting in 2019-20. In 2020-201, Matthews finished third. Votes by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, Matthews received 24 first-place votes and finished just two points behind Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson. Matthews won the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy for finishing the 2023-24 season with a league-high 69 goals. He also finished third in Selke Trophy voting. That award was revealed earlier this month. Although he isn't a nominee for the Hart Trophy, handed out to the NHL's MVP, he was nominated for the Ted Lindsay Award, voted on by the players themselves to the most outstanding player. Matthews became the eighth player in NHL history to reach 51 even-strength goals in a season. He recorded 12 more total goals and 10 more at even strength than the next highest-ranked player in each category. Matthews won both the Hart and Lindsay awards for the first time in his NHL career in 2021-22. Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner and William Nylander and defenseman Morgan Rielly. Marner received seven votes, including one second-place ballot. Nylander had three votes and Morgan Rielly received one vote. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk1MTUxMDE2NDM2ODQ0/cf1808c0-6a82-4298-9049-3eb2eae105b0.jpg] Related The 'Real NHL' Would Be So Fortunate to Have 'Unique' Coverage and Interest in Their Clubs Like The Maple Leafs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/the-real-nhl-would-be-so-fortunate-to-have-unique-coverage-an-interest-in-their-clubs-like-the-maple-leafs] Is Mike Yeo Heading to the Maple Leafs’ Coaching Staff Following His Departure From the Canucks? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/is-mike-yeo-heading-to-the-maple-leafs-coaching-staff-following-his-departure-from-the-canucks] Maple Leafs Prospect Easton Cowan Scores Clutch Game-Winning Goal as London Knights Advance to First Memorial Cup Final Since 2016 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-prospect-easton-cowan-scores-clutch-game-winner-as-knights-take-down-spirit-advance-to-first-memorial-cup-final-since-2016] News from THN.com Rangers and Panthers Have Brick Walls in Net, But Who Has the Edge Right Now? [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-playoffs-rangers-and-panthers-have-brick-walls-in-net-but-who-has-the-edge-right-now] Forget About Long Term: What Do the Oilers Do with Darnell Nurse Right Now? [https://thehockeynews.com/news/forget-about-long-term-what-do-the-oilers-do-with-darnell-nurse-right-now] Dallas Stars' Playoff Success Stems From Their Shot Blocking Prowess [https://thehockeynews.com/news/dallas-stars-playoff-success-stems-from-their-shot-blocking-prowess]
