Penguins Name Karlsson MVP, Hand Out 5 Other Team Awards

Crosby wins 'Player's Player' award as Penguins honor top performers this season.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:33pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, geometric shapes in navy, gold, and crimson red, conceptually representing the various contributions and roles of different Penguins players throughout the season.The Penguins' end-of-season awards honor the team's diverse array of standout performers, from veteran leaders to rising young stars.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins have named defenseman Erik Karlsson as the team's Most Valuable Player for the 2025-26 season. Karlsson, who is in the Norris Trophy conversation, led the Penguins' blue line and power play this year. The team also handed out five other awards, including the 'Player's Player' award to captain Sidney Crosby for the 21st consecutive season.

Why it matters

Karlsson's MVP selection marks the first time in recent memory that Crosby has not been named the Penguins' top player. This reflects Karlsson's elite two-way play and the Penguins' depth beyond just their superstar captain.

The details

In addition to Karlsson's MVP award, the Penguins recognized several other standout performers this season. Crosby won the 'Player's Player' award, fourth-line grinder Noel Acciari earned the 'Unsung Hero' award, rookie Ben Kindel was named Rookie of the Year, and defenseman Ryan Shea and center Blake Lizotte split the 'Defensive Player of the Year' award. The local chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association also voted Bryan Rust the Baz Bastien Media Good award for his cooperation with the media.

  • Karlsson has 14 goals and 50 assists in 73 games this season.
  • Crosby has 72 points (29-43-72) in 66 games, extending his NHL record to 21 straight seasons with a point-per-game.
  • Acciari has a career-high 11 assists and 23 points, the second-highest totals of his career.
  • Kindel, 18, is the youngest forward in the NHL this season and has posted 17 goals with 43 points, ranking 7th among all NHL rookies.

The players

Erik Karlsson

Penguins defenseman who was named the team's MVP. He is in the Norris Trophy conversation and has led the Penguins' blue line and power play this season.

Sidney Crosby

Penguins captain who won the team's 'Player's Player' award, extending his NHL record to 21 straight seasons with a point-per-game.

Noel Acciari

Penguins fourth-line grinder who earned the 'Unsung Hero' award after posting a career-high 11 assists and 23 points.

Ben Kindel

Penguins rookie forward who was named the team's Rookie of the Year after posting 17 goals and 43 points, ranking 7th among all NHL rookies.

Ryan Shea

Penguins defenseman who shared the 'Defensive Player of the Year' award.

Blake Lizotte

Penguins center who shared the 'Defensive Player of the Year' award.

Bryan Rust

Penguins forward who was voted the Baz Bastien Media Good award by the local chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association for his cooperation with the media.

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What they’re saying

“I (haven't learned) much yet, but I hope he wouldn't be mad when I take something from him.”

— Sergei Murashov, Penguins goaltender

“To be honest, I just thought the betterment of the team would be if I didn't play. I don't think I need to be too proud and try to play without being able to see a little bit to my left. You want to give the team the best chance to win. Sunday just wasn't the right spot for me.”

— Stuart Skinner, Penguins goaltender

What’s next

Skinner is expected to be fully recovered and ready to play for the Penguins by Thursday's game.

The takeaway

The Penguins' depth and balanced contributions beyond just Sidney Crosby have been a key factor in their success this season, as evidenced by the variety of players recognized with team awards.