First off, before I get into naming the finalists for the 2019-20 season for the Selke Trophy, let’s go over what it means to win it by definition. According to the Hockey Hall of Fame, this award recognizes the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game. One of the latest and greatest players in our generation who have won the Selke Trophy are Patrice Bergeron and Pavel Datsyuk, both of whom have won it three times.
One of the reasons why this trophy is very important is because a lot of young prospects, players and fans always like to see how they can idolize that players defensive style. The first thing that popped up into my mind when I watched Pavel Datsyuk was his ability to be dangerous away from the puck. Getting those takeaways made him a threat anytime he created offence via defence.
Patrice Bergeron comes to mind in being strong in the neutral zone and forechecking for the Boston Bruins and leading them to many playoff berths. Last year, Ryan O’Reilly won it in the same year he and the St. Louis Blues won their first ever Stanley Cup title.
It’s going to be an interesting time to see who will be awarded the Selke Trophy. In times where everything will be done virtually, it’ll be fascinating to see the excitement of the 2020 recipient in the current phase hockey is going through.
It’s going to be rather interesting because in the takeaway category, Jacob Slavin holds 81 takeaways while Mark Stone and Auston Matthews are tied at 78 and Sebastian Aho at 71. Evgeni Malkin and Mathew Barzal are tied at 70 and Ryan O’Reilly at 69. So far, if I was voting, I’m going to be unbiased and give it to Jacob Slavin.
He’s one of the true reasons Carolina made the 24-team cut and will make it a living nightmare for the Rangers to try and get past the play-in round. If the Selke Trophy is run by takeaways, I would say Jacob Slavin is a lock.