Aleksander Barkov, Anthony Cirelli, and Sam Reinhart have been named finalists for the prestigious Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL forward recognized for exemplary defensive performance. Barkov, a seasoned player for the Florida Panthers, registered an impressive 71 points this season while excelling in face-offs and leading in shot attempt percentage. Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning had a breakout season with 59 points, contributing significantly to his team's playoff berth. Reinhart led the Panthers in goals and points, showcasing his dual threat capability on both ends of the ice.

Coach Paul Maurice praised Barkov and Reinhart for their commitment to both offense and defense, emphasizing their importance in guiding younger players. Cirelli's contributions helped solidify Tampa Bay's playoff streak, marking his first time as a Selke finalist. This recognition highlights each player’s elite two-way gameplay, which is crucial in today's fast-paced NHL environment.