The Pittsburgh Penguins named defenseman Erik Karlsson as the team’s MVP for the 2025-26 season.

This is the first time Karlsson has received the recognition. It marks the first time in six seasons that someone other than forward Sidney Crosby has been honored with the award.

In 73 games this season, Karlsson has 64 points (14 goals, 50 assists) while averaging 23:40 of ice time per contest.

Other awards that were announced by the team included:

• Players’ Player Award — Crosby

This award recognizes leadership on and off the ice. This marks the eighth occasion Crosby has received the award.

In 66 games this season, Crosby leads the team with 72 points (29 goals, 43 assists) while averaging 19:17 of ice time per contest.

• Unsung Hero Award — Forward Noel Acciari

This honor recognizes the player who gives “150% effort but receives little recognition.”

Typically stationed on the right wing of the fourth line and on the penalty kill, Acciari has appeared in 64 contests and posted 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) while averaging 13:40 of ice time per game.

• Rookie of the Year — Forward Ben Kindel

The 11th overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old Kindel has skated in 75 games and scored 34 points (17 goals, 17 assists).

• Defensive Player of the Year — Forward Blake Lizotte and defenseman Ryan Shea

Usually stationed as the fourth-line center and on the penalty kill, Lizotte has appeared in 55 games and scored 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) while clocking an average of 13:52 of ice time per contest.

Shea is typically deployed on the left side of either of the bottom two pairings. In 77 games, he has scored 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) while averaging 18:47 of ice time.

• Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy (Media Good Guy Award) — Forward Bryan Rust

This acknowledges players for their cooperation with local media throughout the season and is voted on by members of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) as well as other local media. The award is named after former Penguins general manager Aldege “Baz” Bastien.

Notes:

• Goaltender Stuart Skinner participated in an optional practice at PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday.

He was scratched from Sunday’s 5-2 home win against the Florida Panthers due to a facial injury.

During Saturday’s 9-4 home win against the Panthers, Skinner dressed as the backup and was struck near the left eye by a puck while sitting on the bench.

Displaying a visible abrasion and some bruising around the left eye, Skinner indicated his vision was “good” and he felt comfortable facing shots during Tuesday’s practice session.

Skinner was uncertain if he would be cleared by the team’s medical staffers for the team’s next game, a road contest against the Devils on Thursday.

• Those who participated included:

Forwards – Justin Brazeau, Avery Hayes, Kevin Hayes

Defensemen – Sam Girard, Ryan Graves, llya Solovyov, Jack St. Ivany

Goaltenders – Sergei Murashov, Arturs Silovs, Skinner