The Lady Byng Memorial Trophy , originally known as the Lady Byng Trophy , is given each year to the National Hockey League `` player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability '' . The Lady Byng Memorial Trophy has been awarded 84 times to 50 different players since it was first awarded in 1925 . When Lady Byng died in 1949 the NHL presented another trophy and changed the official name to the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy .