Cirelli, Nelson, Suzuki Named Selke Trophy Finalists Anthony Cirelli, Brock Nelson, and Nick Suzuki have been named finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, an annual award recognizing the forward who excels in the defensive aspects of the game. The winners, selected by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, will be announced later this season. Cirelli, Nelson, and Suzuki represent the Tampa Bay Lightning, Colorado Avalanche, and Montreal Canadiens, respectively, and their performances this season have positioned them as strong contenders for the honor. Cirelli, the Lightning’s center, led the team with 52 points (23 goals, 29 assists) in 71 games, marking a career-high in scoring. His plus-38 rating, the highest among Lightning forwards, underscored his impact on both ends of the ice. The 26-year-old also excelled in face-offs, winning 48.2% of his 1,075 attempts, and contributed to the Lightning’s second-place finish in the NHL with a plus-57 goal differential. His 17:19 average ice time per game, including 2:38 short-handed, highlighted his role in the team’s power play, which ranked third in the league at 82.6%. Cirelli’s presence on the ice also saw the Lightning take 55.7% of all shot attempts (SAT%) at 5-on-5, a testament to his ability to control play. Nelson, the Avalanche’s center, posted 65 points (33 goals, 32 assists) in 81 games, averaging 19:39 of ice time. His offensive contributions included 10 power-play goals and nine game-winning goals, while his defensive work helped the Avalanche lead the league with an 84.6 penalty kill percentage. Nelson’s face-off success, with a 50.4% win rate and 1,459 attempts (fourth in the NHL), further solidified his value.#tampa_bay_lightning #frank_j_selke_trophy #nick_suzuki #anthony_cirelli #brock_nelson
Cirelli, Nelson, Suzuki Named Finalists for Selke Trophy The National Hockey League (NHL) has announced that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli, Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson, and Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki are the finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy. The award, presented annually by the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA), recognizes the "forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game." The winners will be announced in June. Cirelli, 28, is a repeat finalist for the Selke Trophy, marking his second consecutive nomination after finishing third in the 2024-25 voting. The Lightning’s center has consistently demonstrated his two-way play, contributing to Tampa Bay’s league-leading offensive output while minimizing defensive risks. This season, Cirelli helped the Lightning achieve a plus-57 goal differential, the second-best in the league, while allowing just 251 goals against in a full 82-game season. His individual performance was equally impressive, as he posted a career-high plus-38 rating (fourth in the NHL), led the team in faceoff percentage (48.2%), and played a key role in the Lightning’s third-ranked penalty kill (82.6%). When Cirelli was on the ice, Tampa Bay maintained a dominant 76-42 goal differential at even strength, a career-best mark for the forward. Cirelli also became the first Lightning player to be nominated for the Selke Trophy. Nelson, 34, is a first-time finalist for any NHL award and would make history if he wins, as he would be the first player in Colorado’s franchise history to claim the Selke. The veteran center seamlessly adapted to his new team, contributing to the Avalanche’s defensive success as they allowed the fewest goals in the league.#national_hockey_league #nick_suzuki #anthony_cirelli #brock_nelson #professional_hockey_writers_association
