Fansided

2016 NHL Awards watch: Karlsson, Holtby, Kane favorites

By Dave Stevenson

Oct 8, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) celebrates with the bench after scoring his second goal of the game during the third period against the Ottawa Senators at TD Garden. The Bruins won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) celebrates with the bench after scoring his second goal of the game during the third period against the Ottawa Senators at TD Garden. The Bruins won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Selke Trophy

The Selke Trophy is awarded each season to the NHL’s best defensive forward. It’s difficult to quantify how much value a forward brings to the table defensively, so it can be hard to predict the finalists.

  1. Patrice Bergeron – Boston Bruins: Bergeron has won the past three Selke Trophies. If someone wants to win the Selke Trophy, they’re going to have to pry it from the strong, reliable hands of Bergeron. The Boston Bruins are a much better team when Bergeron is on the ice. Bergeron plays during all situations and remains one of the most efficient faceoff men in the NHL (56.6 percent faceoff win percentage). He hasn’t been as dominant as he has been in recent years, but it’s going to be difficult for voters to justify voting for someone else.
  2. Jonathan Toews- Chicago Blackhawks: Toews should win the Selke Trophy if Bergeron doesn’t. Toews has been outstanding this season for the Blackhawks. He has a reputation like Bergeron, so even in a relative down year (his possession numbers have taken a hit), he’ll still likely be a finalist.
  3. Mikko Koivu – Minnesota Wild: Koivu has been underrated as a defensive forward for quite some time. This season might be the season when he finally gets the recognition he deserves. He plays during all situations and the Minnesota Wild allow noticeably fewer shot attempts against when he’s on the ice. His 55.8 percent faceoff win percentage places him among the NHL’s best.

Honorable mentions: Joe Thornton (San Jose Sharks), Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings), Nicklas Backstrom (Washington Capitals)

Next: Norris Trophy

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