LOS ANGELES, April 2, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – The National Hockey League slapped
Colorado Avalanche all-star Nathan MacKinnon with a $5,000 fine on Thursday
after the reigning Lady Byng trophy winner threw a helmet at Conor Garland of
the Arizona Coyotes.
MacKinnon, who won the 2019-20 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy which is awarded
annually to the most “gentlemanly” player in the league, was given the
maximum allowable fine under the terms of the NHL’s collective bargaining
agreement.
The 25-year-old Canadian tore the helmet off Garland during a scuffle late
in the third period of Colorado’s 9-3 win on Wednesday. The pair were broken
up but MacKinnon scooped up Garland’s helmet then tossed it underhand into
the face of the Coyotes player.
The officials gave MacKinnon a double minor penalty for roughing and a 10-
minute misconduct. Garland was handed a two-minute roughing penalty.
The Lady Byng is given to the player “adjudged to have exhibited the best
type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard
of playing ability.”
In 31 games this season, MacKinnon has 10 goals and 31 points for the
Avalanche.