If only Lady Byng could see an NHL game today, she would be so proud.

In 1925, the wife of Canada’s Governor-General donated a trophy to the league to promote sportsmanship and gentlemanly play. It has been given out to the player who most exemplifies these qualities every year since—even in hockey’s most bloody, punch-drunk eras. This season, though, practically everyone in the league is a candidate.

Power-play...