Selke finalists: Nick Suzuki, Brock Nelson, Anthony Cirelli

Field Level Media|published: Wed 6th May, 14:27 2026

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens

Apr 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki (14) crosses the blue line with the puck during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, Colorado Avalanche forward Brock Nelson and Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli were named as the finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy on Wednesday.

The award is presented annually to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game, as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The winner will be announced at a later date.

Suzuki, 26, led Montreal in goals (29) and recorded career-high totals in assists (72) and points (101) to go along with a plus-37 rating while playing in all 82 games. He would be the first Canadiens player to win the award since Hockey Hall of Famer Guy Carbonneau in 1991-92.

Nelson, 34, recorded 65 points (33 goals, 32 assists) and a plus-15 rating while playing in 81 games this season for the Presidents' Trophy-winning Avalanche.

Cirelli, 28, is a finalist for Selke Trophy after finishing third in the voting last season. He totaled 52 points (23 goals, 29 assists) and plus-38 rating in 2025-26.

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov won the award in each of the past two seasons.

--Field Level Media

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