Penguins' Team Awards 2025-26: MVP, Rookie, and More!

Erik Karlsson, Sidney Crosby, and Ben Kindel among the standout winners as the Penguins celebrate a season of depth and talent.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:13am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in progress, with the players and puck reduced to abstract shapes and planes of black, gold, and white, capturing the energy and movement of the sport.The Penguins' team awards celebrate the depth and talent of the roster, with players across positions recognized for their contributions to the team's success.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins have unveiled their team award recipients for the 2025-26 season, highlighting the team's depth and talent. Erik Karlsson was named the Most Valuable Player, the first player outside of Sidney Crosby to win the award in six seasons. Crosby claimed the Players' Player Award, while Noel Acciari received the Unsung Hero Award. Ben Kindel, the youngest forward in the league, was named Rookie of the Year. Blake Lizotte and Ryan Shea shared the Defensive Player of the Year Award, and Bryan Rust received the Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy.

Why it matters

These awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also showcase the Penguins' commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork. The recognition of players across different positions and roles highlights the depth and talent of the team, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.

The details

Erik Karlsson's MVP award reflects his exceptional performance and leadership, with impressive statistics in goal-scoring and assist-making that have elevated the Penguins' defensive game. Sidney Crosby's Players' Player Award underscores his enduring impact on the team's culture and performance. Noel Acciari's Unsung Hero Award recognizes his consistent high-energy performances, while Ben Kindel's Rookie of the Year Award showcases his talent and potential. The Defensive Player of the Year Award was shared by Blake Lizotte and Ryan Shea, both of whom have made significant contributions to the team's defensive prowess. Bryan Rust's Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy acknowledges his cooperation with the media.

  • The Pittsburgh Penguins unveiled their team awards for the 2025-26 season.

The players

Erik Karlsson

An exceptional defenseman who was named the Penguins' Most Valuable Player for the 2025-26 season, the first player outside of Sidney Crosby to win the award in six seasons.

Sidney Crosby

A legendary Penguins player who claimed the Players' Player Award, a testament to his enduring impact on the team's culture and performance.

Noel Acciari

A Penguins player who received the Unsung Hero Award for his consistent high-energy performances and contributions to the team's success.

Ben Kindel

The youngest forward in the league, who was named the Penguins' Rookie of the Year for the 2025-26 season.

Blake Lizotte

A Penguins defenseman who shared the Defensive Player of the Year Award for his effective and impactful performances.

Ryan Shea

A Penguins defenseman who shared the Defensive Player of the Year Award for his career-best performance and contributions to the team's defensive prowess.

Bryan Rust

A Penguins player known for his cooperation with the media, who received the Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Erik Karlsson's MVP award is a well-deserved honor that reflects his exceptional performance and leadership. His impressive statistics have elevated the Penguins' defensive game to new heights.”

— Unidentified Penguins fan

“Sidney Crosby's Players' Player Award is a testament to his enduring impact on the team's culture and performance. His leadership and on-ice achievements continue to inspire and motivate his teammates.”

— Unidentified Penguins player

“Noel Acciari's Unsung Hero Award recognizes his dedication and hard work, which have not gone unnoticed. His career-high assists and goals showcase his growing importance to the team's success.”

— Unidentified Penguins coach

“Ben Kindel's Rookie of the Year Award is a testament to his talent and potential. As the youngest forward in the league, his achievements are a promising sign for the Penguins' future.”

— Unidentified Penguins executive

“Blake Lizotte and Ryan Shea's shared Defensive Player of the Year Award highlights the team's commitment to recognizing excellence across all positions. Their contributions have been instrumental in the Penguins' defensive success.”

— Unidentified Penguins fan

The takeaway

The Penguins' team awards for the 2025-26 season showcase the depth and talent of the team, with players across different positions and roles being recognized for their contributions. This recognition not only celebrates individual achievements but also highlights the Penguins' commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.