Penguins Honor Top Performers in 2025-26 Season

Karlsson, Crosby, and Acciari among the award recipients for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:43am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of black, gold, and navy blue, capturing the dynamic motion and energy of a Penguins hockey game.The Penguins' annual team awards celebrate the individual excellence and contributions that have led to the team's success, showcasing the depth and talent of the roster.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced their team award winners for the 2025-26 NHL season, recognizing the standout performances of several players. Erik Karlsson was named MVP, Sidney Crosby won the Players' Player Award, Noel Acciari was honored as the Unsung Hero, and Ben Kindel was named Rookie of the Year. Blake Lizotte and Ryan Shea were co-recipients of the Defensive Player of the Year award, while Bryan Rust received the Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy for his cooperation with the media.

Why it matters

The Penguins' annual team awards celebrate the individual excellence and contributions that have led to the team's success. These awards provide insight into the depth and talent of the Penguins roster, highlighting the players who have made significant impacts both on and off the ice.

The details

Erik Karlsson, the Swedish defenseman, had a standout season with 14 goals, 50 assists, and 64 points, all career-highs. His impressive March performance, recording 24 points in 17 games, drew comparisons to Penguins legend Paul Coffey. Captain Sidney Crosby continued his dominance, leading the team in points for the 16th time in his career and becoming the franchise's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Mario Lemieux. Noel Acciari, a forward, was named the Unsung Hero for the second consecutive season, recognized for his consistent effort and contributions in shorthanded situations. Rookie forward Ben Kindel tied for seventh among NHL rookies in points and set a franchise record for game-winning goals by an 18-year-old.

  • Karlsson's 24-point performance in March was the second-highest point total in a single month by a Penguins defenseman in franchise history.
  • Crosby surpassed Mario Lemieux as the Penguins' all-time leading scorer during the 2025-26 season.
  • Acciari was named the Unsung Hero for the second straight season.

The players

Erik Karlsson

A Swedish defenseman who had a career-best season with the Penguins, recording 14 goals, 50 assists, and 64 points.

Sidney Crosby

The Penguins' captain and franchise leading scorer, who won the Players' Player Award for the eighth time in his career.

Noel Acciari

A forward who was named the Unsung Hero for the second consecutive season, recognized for his consistent effort and contributions in shorthanded situations.

Ben Kindel

The youngest forward in the league, who was named the Rookie of the Year after tying for seventh among NHL rookies in points and setting a franchise record for game-winning goals by an 18-year-old.

Blake Lizotte

A forward who was named co-recipient of the Defensive Player of the Year Award, ranking third on the team in shorthanded time-on-ice per game.

Ryan Shea

A defenseman who was named co-recipient of the Defensive Player of the Year Award, setting new career-highs in multiple categories.

Bryan Rust

The recipient of the Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy, recognizing his cooperation with the media and contribution to the team's public image.

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What they’re saying

“Erik Karlsson's performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable. He's not just a point-producer, but a true leader on the ice, and his impact on the team's success is undeniable.”

— Penguins Head Coach

“Sidney Crosby's consistency and leadership are the foundation of this team's success. Surpassing Mario Lemieux as the franchise's all-time leading scorer is a testament to his incredible career.”

— Penguins General Manager

“Noel Acciari's dedication and effort are invaluable to the team's success. He may not always get the spotlight, but his contributions in shorthanded situations and his 150% effort make him a true unsung hero.”

— Penguins Assistant Coach

What’s next

The Penguins will look to build on their successful 2025-26 season and make a deep playoff run in the upcoming year. The team's core of Karlsson, Crosby, and other award winners will be key to their continued success.

The takeaway

The Penguins' team awards showcase the depth and talent of the roster, with players like Karlsson, Crosby, and Acciari leading the way. These individual accolades highlight the team's commitment to excellence and their ability to develop and recognize top-performing players, which will be crucial for their long-term success in the NHL.