The NHL announced today that Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Brock Nelson of the Colorado Avalanche, and Nick Suzuki of the Montreal Canadiens have been named the three finalists for the 2025–26 Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the forward who “best excels in the defensive aspects of the game.” Voting was conducted by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association at the conclusion of the regular season.
Cirelli earned his second consecutive Selke nomination after another standout two-way campaign in Tampa Bay. The Lightning posted the NHL’s second-best goal differential (+57) and third-best goals against (229), with Cirelli driving their defensive identity. Despite missing 11 games, he led all Tampa Bay forwards in shorthanded ice time (186:51) for a penalty kill that ranked third in the league at 82.6%. At even-strength, the Lightning outscored opponents 76-42 with Cirelli on the ice, a team-best 64.4% goal share, and the highest mark of his eight full NHL seasons. He also posted a career-high +38 rating and took a team-leading 1,075 faceoffs. Cirelli finished third in last year’s voting, becoming the first Selke finalist in franchise history.
Nelson, a first-time finalist in his first full season with Colorado, played a crucial role in the Avalanche’s defensive turnaround. They captured the Presidents’ Trophy, allowing a league-low 197 goals, 34 fewer than last year and 25 fewer than any other team this season. Nelson logged a career-high 1,591:55 in total ice time and nearly 50% more shorthanded minutes. Colorado’s penalty kill led the NHL at 84.6%, surrendering just 36 goals on 234 opportunities. Nelson also set personal bests in faceoffs taken (1,459) and wins (735, 50.4%). If he wins, he’d become the first player in Avalanche/Nordiques history to claim the Selke, the last Colorado player to reach finalist status was Joe Sakic in 2000–01.
Suzuki, the Canadiens’ captain, helped Montreal win its highest point total (106) since 2014–15 and its stingiest defensive season (251 goals against) in seven years. He played all 82 games, leading the team’s forwards in total ice time and even-strength minutes. Suzuki took 1,449 faceoffs (32.2% of Montreal’s draws) and ranked sixth in the league in total attempts. At even strength, the Canadiens outscored opponents 94–58 with him on the ice, a career-best 61.8% goal share. Suzuki aims to join franchise legends Bob Gainey and Guy Carbonneau, who won the award seven times.
The Selke Trophy was first awarded in 1977 in honor of longtime executive Frank J. Selke, a key architect of championship teams in both Montreal and Toronto.
The NHL’s awards finalist announcements continue Thursday, May 7, when the league will reveal the three finalists for the James Norris Memorial Trophy.
The Canadien’s darling Suzi will win the Selke.
Jordan Staal not being nominated is criminal.
Crimes are criminal. A guy not getting nominated for an award? Not so much. Kinda funny that this is your reaction. Lighten up.
Wow…do you make a habit of calling out everyone’s comments? We all get what he means. Why can’t you?
Me thinks that someone else needs to lighten up. This forum isn’t looking for someone to police how things are described or embellished to make a point.
Pick your spots Dog…it’s getting tiring.
Nick Suzuki will probably win as the media has pretty much been claiming him to win it. It’s unfortunate, that Anthony Cirelli gets overlooked again despite having arguably better numbers. For example, Cirelli on the ice had a 64.4% goal share while Suzuki on the ice had a 61.8% goal share. Then there’s the fact, Tampa posted the NHL’s second-best goal differential (+57) and third-best goals against (229), with Cirelli driving the defensive identity (both better then Montreal). It is what it is, the media picks their favorites and that’s that.
Lottery conspiracies. Media conspiracies. NHL headquarters conspiracies. Refereeing conspiracies. It is always amusing around here.
If we are amusing you, then what’s your deal? Cuz you sure aren’t amusing us.
Colin Graf should be on here.
He will traded for a top 4 D when SJ picks Stenberg.
Strongly doubt it. If anyone goes, it’s probably Eklund.