NHL pronounces 2024 Selke Trophy finalists

The NHL has introduced the finalists for the 2024 Selke Trophy, awarded yearly to the ahead who demonstrates essentially the most talent within the defensive part of the sport. Boston Bruins legend Patrice Bergeron took house the trophy final season, marking his sixth time profitable the award.

This yr’s Selke Trophy finalists are Toronto Maple Leafs ahead Auston Matthews, Florida Panthers ahead Aleksander Barkov and Carolina Hurricanes ahead Jordan Staal.

Barkov is the one former winner of the group, having taken house the Selke in 2021 after not lacking a beat through the shortened COVID-19 season. Barkov’s 200-foot affect has been clear all through his profession, along with his model rooted in an elite skill to play with extra pace, energy, and talent than any of his opponents. Barkov posted a 71.95 Corsi-For per-60 (CF/60) and a 1.99 expected-goals-against per-60 (xGA/60) whereas cruising to 23 targets and 80 factors this season.

Whereas Barkov would be the favourite, Matthews’ nomination would be the most spectacular. He had a historic season on the other aspect of the puck, changing into the primary participant to achieve 69 targets since Mario Lemieux in 1995-96. Matthews led all Maple Leafs in scoring with a career-high 107 factors in 81 video games. However his effort didn’t cease in his personal zone, with Matthews nonetheless displaying a sixth sense for learn how to get in the best way of opponents and steal away possession. Whereas he posted the fewest hits and worst CF/60 and xGA/60 of the bunch, Matthews did file 85 takeaways on the season – greater than Staal and Barkov mixed, per Evolving Hockey. His skill to constantly make issues occur in all three zones might be sufficient to earn him the sting over the remaining.

Staal is the one nominee who didn’t play on his staff’s prime line this season – as a substitute comfortably manning Carolina’s center six, averaging 15:23 in ice time by means of 80 appearances. He proved extremely stout within the function, serving as the protection internet behind flashy wingers Teuvo Teravainen and Seth Jarvis. Staal posted one of the best stat line of the three nominees, with a 76.67 CF/60 and 1.90 xGA/60 – displaying simply how effectively he managed possession and restricted opponents’ scoring probabilities. This nomination marks simply the second time in Staal’s 18 yr profession that he’s been a Selke finalist – regardless of receiving votes for the award in 15 seasons. His final time as a finalist led to a third-place end within the 2009-10 season.

The award might be introduced on the NHL Awards this summer time. That occasion remains to be pending a time and placement.