Continuing the parade of nominees who will take part in the NHL Awards in Las Vegas this June, the NHL announced the nominees for the Lady Byng Award.

Typically disparaged by many players and fans, the award goes to "the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability." It's really too bad that this is looked down upon so much. Pavel Datsyuk is the three-time defending winner in this category.

Dustin Brown would have made a nice candidate, considering how he led the league in Penalty Plus/Minus. Opponents hooked, tripped, and slashed him like crazy, but he didn't retaliate in kind.

But the nominees are...

Pavel Datsyuk

#13 / Center / Detroit Red Wings

Height: 5-11

Weight: 194

Born: Jul 20, 1978

Zach Parise

#9 / Left Wing / New Jersey Devils

Height: 5-11

Weight: 190

Born: Jul 28, 1984

Martin St. Louis

#26 / Right Wing / Tampa Bay Lightning

Height: 5-9

Weight: 177

Born: Jun 18, 1975