Nick Suzuki Leads ESPN Poll as Selke Trophy Favorite
Nick Suzuki is emerging as a strong contender for the prestigious Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL player demonstrating excellence in defensive play. Currently, he leads an ESPN poll among potential voters for this accolade.
Nick Suzuki’s Dominance in the ESPN Poll
In the latest poll conducted for the Selke Trophy, Nick Suzuki received 30 percent of the first-place votes, showcasing his prominence as a defensive forward. Suzuki outperformed notable players like Anthony Cirelli and Anze Kopitar, solidifying his status as a front-runner.
Impressive Defensive Metrics
When on the ice, Suzuki’s Montreal Canadiens allow an average of just 2.05 goals per 60 minutes, highlighting his defensive impact. His performance includes exceptional skills in puck retrieval and shot blocking, which have garnered admiration from voters.
- First-place votes: 30%
- Goals allowed per 60 minutes with Suzuki: 2.05
- Faceoff percentage: 49.3%
Voters unanimously recognize Suzuki as a leading candidate, with one remarking, “Nick Suzuki. That’s the list.” His two-way gameplay has been widely praised, suggesting he may even secure an Olympic selection.
Other Notable Players in the Mix
Besides Suzuki, two other Canadiens players are making headlines in trophy discussions: Ivan Demidov and Martin St-Louis. Demidov was initially viewed as a potential Calder Trophy winner but now faces tough competition from Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders.
- Calder Trophy favorites:
- 1. Matthew Schaefer (New York Islanders)
- 2. Ivan Demidov (Montreal Canadiens)
- 3. Jesper Wallstedt (Minnesota Wild)
Demidov’s progress has been noted, but some voters believe he is not yet on the same level as Schaefer, who plays in more challenging circumstances.
Controversy Surrounding Martin St-Louis
Martin St-Louis, the Canadiens’ head coach, has notably been excluded from the coach of the year discussions in the poll. His absence is viewed as an “injustice,” particularly given the Canadiens’ performance amid numerous injuries.
The list of mentioned coaches includes:
- Jon Cooper (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Jared Bednar (Colorado Avalanche)
- Joel Quenneville (Florida Panthers)
- Honorable mentions: Glen Gulutzan, Dan Muse, Rick Tocchet, Ryan Warsofsky
As the season progresses, Suzuki’s performance will be under close scrutiny. Maintaining his current pace could see him succeed Aleksander Barkov, who has secured the Selke Trophy for the past two seasons.
With plenty of hockey left to play, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Nick Suzuki can clinch this coveted honor.
