The Panthers captain is a Selke Trophy finalist for the third time in the last four seasons. He became the first Selke winner in Panthers history in 2020-21 and placed third in the voting in 2021-22.
“It means a lot, of course,” Barkov said when he was announced as a finalist. “Every year I try to do my job and be the best I can be on defense and offense. Obviously, playing on a good team with good systems and great teammates also helps. “So obviously it means a lot, so it’s definitely a great thing.”
Barkov helped the Panthers (52-24-6) finish first in the Atlantic Division this season and earn a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. They will play the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference finals. The first game is Wednesday in New York (8 pm ET; Keynote USA+, Keynote USA, SN, TVAS, CBC).
“Well, it will be a fun battle again,” Barkov said. “Like against (the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins), they were really tough battles, and I expect exactly the same against the Rangers. A completely different team than Boston, but of course it is a great challenge for us and we are looking forward to it.”
Centers Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Jordan Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes were the other finalists.
Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron, who retired after the 2022-23 NHL season, won the Selke Trophy last season.
The Selke Trophy was the third award presented this postseason; Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba won the NHL Mark Messier Leadership Award on Tuesday and Connor Ingram, goaltender for the Arizona Coyotes this season, won the Masterton Trophy for his perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication on Wednesday.
Three more awards will be presented in May and nine more in June, including five at the NHL Awards at the Fountainbleau Las Vegas on June 27 (7 p.m. ET; Keynote USA, SN).
Winners will be announced by national rights holders Keynote USA, Sportsnet and TVA Sports during pregame programming prior to the Stanley Cup playoff games, at the NHL Awards and at the 2024 NHL Upper Deck Draft in Las Vegas on the 28th. of June. Keynote USA’s announcements will be made on “The Point” leading up to coverage of the game.
The remaining announcement schedule, which is subject to change, is as follows:
Wednesday, May 22: Jack Adams Award
“To the coach who has contributed the most to the success of his team.”
Finalists: Rick Bowness, WPG; Andrew Morena, NSH; Rick Tocchet
Tuesday May 28: King Clancy Memorial Trophy
“To the player who best exemplifies his leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a notable humanitarian contribution to his community.”
Thursday, May 30: Lady Byng Memorial Trophy
“To the player who is considered to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high level of playing skill.”
Finalists: Auston Matthews, TOR; Elías Pettersson, VAN; Jacob Slavin, C.A.R.
Monday June 10: Jim Gregory Award for General Manager of the Year
“To the most outstanding general director of the League.”
(Finalists will be announced the week of May 20-26)
Thursday June 13: Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award presented by Hyundai (Canada)
“To an individual who, through the game of hockey, has positively impacted their community, culture or society.”
Finalists: Mark Burgin (Vancouver, British Columbia); Mark DeMontis (Toronto, Ont.); Allen Hierlihy (Hamilton, Ontario)
Thursday June 27: Calder Memorial Trophy
“To the player selected as the most competent in his first year of competition.”
Finalists: Connor Bedard, CHI; Brock Faber, M.I.N.; Luke Hughes, New Jersey
Thursday June 27: Hart Memorial Trophy
“To the player considered most valuable to his team.”
Finalists: Nikita Kucherov, TBL; Nathan MacKinnon, COL; Connor McDavid, EDM
Thursday June 27: James Norris Memorial Trophy
“To the defensive player who demonstrates the greatest ability in the position throughout the season.”
Finalists: Quinn Hughes, van; Roman Josi, NSH; Cale Makar, COL
Thursday June 27: Ted Lindsay Award
“Most Outstanding Player Voted by NHLPA Peers”.
Finalists: Nikita Kucherov, TBL; Nathan MacKinnon, COL; Auston Matthews, T.R.O.
Thursday June 27: Vezina Trophy
“To the goalkeeper considered the best in his position.”
Finalists: Sergei Bobrovsky, FLA; Thatcher Demko, VAN; Connor Hellebuyck
Friday June 28: Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award presented by Discover (USA)
“To an individual who, through the game of hockey, has positively impacted their community, culture or society.”
Finalists: Jerry DeVaul (Colorado Springs, Colorado); Kelsey McGuire (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); Estela Rivas-Bryant (El Segundo, California)
Friday June 28: EJ McGuire Excellence Award
“To the NHL Draft prospect who best exemplifies a commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness and athleticism.”
Click here to access the 2024 NHL Awards Information Guide, which includes details on this season’s finalists, as well as all-time voting histories and winners of each NHL Trophy.
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