The Florida Panthers organization boasts two finalists for the prestigious Selke Trophy this year.
Forwards Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart were announced as finalists for the award on Friday. This marks the first time since the 2007-08 season, when Detroit Red Wings teammates Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg were nominated, that two players from the same team have been voted as Selke finalists.
Historically, only three other pairs of teammates have achieved this recognition: Sergei Fedorov and Steve Yzerman (Detroit Red Wings, 1995-96), Dirk Graham and Steve Larmer (Chicago Blackhawks, 1990-91), and Craig Ramsay and Don Luce (Buffalo Sabres, 1979-80).
This is Barkov`s fourth time being named a finalist for the Selke Trophy, an award he has previously won twice (in 2021 and 2024). For Reinhart, this nomination is the first of his career.
Rounding out the list of finalists for the award is Tampa Bay Lightning centre Anthony Cirelli, who also receives his first-ever Selke nomination.
The Frank J. Selke Trophy is awarded annually to the forward in the National Hockey League judged to be the best at the defensive aspects of the game.
The winner is determined by a vote among members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, cast at the conclusion of the regular season.
