NHL Announces Finalists for Selke Trophy

The NHL announced the finalists for the Selke Trophy award - Vegas Golden Knights forward Mark Stone, Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov and of course Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron.

Aleksander Barkov (@FlaPanthers), Patrice Bergeron (@NHLBruins) and Mark Stone (@GoldenKnights) are the three finalists for the 2020-21 Frank J. Selke Trophy.#NHLStats: https://t.co/zqHTUAtlLY pic.twitter.com/nNEtKAH443
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 6, 2021

The award is handed out to the forward who best exemplifies the defensive aspects of the game and is essentially considered the best two-way forward in the league. All three players had fantastic seasons and are the three finalists many expected. Stone is always amongst the league leaders when it comes to takeaways and has an uncanny ability to intercept passes and get his stick in the way.

Barkov and Bergeron are both centers and have the tasks of shutting down some of the best players from across the league. Not only are they able to help keep the puck out of their own nets, all three players can produce. Stone finished the season with 61 points in 55 games, meanwhile Barkov recorded 58 points in 50 games and Bergeron 48 points in 54 games.

Last season saw Philadelphia Flyer center Sean Couturier win the award, while Bergeron is a four time winner of the award and has been nominated now for a tenth straight time. From the sounds of it Sasha Barkov is the favorite this season.

Photo credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports