Aleksander Barkov Wins the Selke Trophy for the Second Consecutive Time
Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov has been awarded the Selke Trophy, solidifying his status as the NHL’s top defensive forward for the second consecutive season. This achievement marks the third time Barkov has received this prestigious award in his 12-season NHL career.
Barkov, known for his exceptional performance on the ice, has demonstrated remarkable consistency in his defensive game, which has earned him recognition from the league.
In addition to the Selke Trophy, Barkov was also announced as the winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, an award that recognizes players who demonstrate leadership qualities both on and off the ice, and who contribute significantly to the community.Barkov has been a fundamental pillar in the Panthers’ defense, showing leadership and skill in every game.
Alofoke Deportes
Barkov has been a staunch supporter of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, a leading pediatric center that supports children with cancer, blood disorders, heart transplants, emergency care, and rehabilitation. Boys and girls from the hospital surprised Barkov with the two trophies at the Panthers’ training facility.
With 29 years old, Barkov won the Selke with a considerable lead over his teammate Sam Reinhart, who was a finalist for the first time and finished second in the voting. Barkov appeared on 173 of the 191 ballots cast by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association and was the first choice on 96 of them. Reinhart received 29 first-place votes, tying with Anthony Cirelli, center for the Tampa Bay Lightning, another first-time finalist who finished third.Barkov and Reinhart are the first teammates in history to finish first and second in the Selke Trophy voting. This is also the first time in 23 years that teammates have swept the top two positions in an NHL-voted award.
The Panthers’ center helped his team achieve top-10 rankings in goals against per game (seventh), shots against per game (fifth), and penalty kill efficiency (tenth). According to NHL metrics, he ranked fourth among NHL forwards in attempted shot percentage (59.3%).The following two players outside of the three finalists were Nico Hischier, center for the New Jersey Devils, and Jack Eichel, center for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Among the other players who received votes for first place were Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and two-time Selke winner Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings.
