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4h ago

Cirelli, Nelson and Suzuki Named Selke Trophy Finalists

PHWA voting sets up a June reveal of the NHL’s top defensive forward.

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May 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki (14) handles the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The NHL named Anthony Cirelli, Brock Nelson and Nick Suzuki as Selke Trophy finalists Wednesday, recognizing the forward who best excels in defensive play.
  • Montreal captain Nick Suzuki is widely viewed as the favorite after a 101-point season with heavy minutes, a +37 rating and one of the league’s highest faceoff workloads.
  • Tampa Bay’s Anthony Cirelli earned a second straight nomination by leading Lightning forwards in shorthanded ice time, helping drive a top-three penalty kill and posting a career-best +38.
  • Colorado’s Brock Nelson anchored key defensive minutes for the Presidents’ Trophy winners, contributing to a league-low 197 goals against, an NHL-best 84.6% penalty kill and career highs in faceoffs.
  • The winner will be announced in June, with a Cirelli or Nelson victory marking a first for their franchises or a Suzuki win extending Montreal’s Selke lineage.