The NHL has announced the list of the Frank J. Selke Trophy three finalists for the 2023-24 regular season. The contenders are Aleksander Barkov, Auston Matthews, and Jordan Staal. The Selke Trophy awards the forward who best demonstrates the defensive component of the sport in the National Hockey League.
The NHL Announces the Frank J. Selke Trophy Finalists
The No Brainer Choice
Aleksander Barkov is league-wide deemed one of the top two-way players and following Patrice Bergeron‘s retirement, he is second to none. This trait is noticeable in his playstyle from afar. And while many focus on scoring stats and all the stuff that happens when facing the opponent net, Barkov thrives in that as well as he does when on the backcheck. ‘Sasha’ Barkov registered 61 takeaways during the regular season and blocked 50 shots. He owns the best +/- out of the three finalists with a +33. The Florida Panthers captain has a 2020-21 Selke Trophy on his accolade and is favored to win his second.
A Surprising, Yet Logic Finalist
If NHL fans had a penny for every time they thought about the defensive side of the game whenever Auston Matthews’ name is brought up, well they probably would have no pennies. Number 34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs is the best goalscorer in the NHL, tallying a total of 69 goals during the 23-24 regular season. He does not shy away from the defensive side of the puck, nevertheless. And his stats speak for themselves. 85 takeaways along with 93 blocked shots.
Matthews is also a finalist for the Lady Bing Memorial Trophy, which makes his case even better. Although he is not renowned for this aspect of his game, Auston Matthews is a deserved Selke Trophy finalist. Although surprising, it would not be unfitting for him to be named the best defensive forward in the NHL.
Experienced Veteran Quota
Jordan Staal made the cut for the Frank J. Selke Trophy finalists and it ought to make his coach proud. Rod Brind’Amour won the Trophy twice (consecutively in 2006-07 and 2007-08) and seems to have passed on his lectures to the Carolina Hurricanes captain. The 35-year-old centerman is the locker room leader for a Canes team starving for playoff success. And as age has a toll on his TOI and points production, Staal is determined to keep Chronos from affecting his grit and tough hockey style. With a total of 41 blocked shots and retrieved puck possession on 25 occasions. Although it never tells the full story, plus-minus is an important stat and Staal’s chances may fade on his -14 score in such statistic.
Stay tuned to find out who takes home this silverware. The current titleholder, retired Patrice Bergeron, will eventually give his name to this trophy, which he has won 6 times during his 19-year career in the NHL. All three finalists for the Selke Trophy make a good case. Will it mark the beginning of Barkov’s reign as the best two-way forward? Or will Matthews win an award most fans underestimated him for?
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