The 2022 Selke Trophy is an award presented to the best defensive forward in the National Hockey League. Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron has won the award for the fifth time in his career.
The Selke Trophy is given to the player who has the most significant impact on the game through contributions on both ends of the ice. While Bergeron is known for his goalscoring prowess, he is also one of the most versatile players in the league, playing both ends of the ice effectively.
As one of the team’s top forwards, Bergeron can play a significant role in the team’s penalty-killing unit. During the season, he led all players in ice time when it came to killing penalties. The captain of the Boston Bruins also helped the Bruins win the faceoff battle. with a winning percentage of 61.9, he is the best faceoff artist in the league this season.
Bergeron became the first player to win the award multiple times with his goals. He is tied with Bob Gainey for the most goals scored by a forward in the league’s history.
This is the 36-year-old’s first Selke award since the 2016-17 season. That being said, he has always been in the top three since then.
At his age, Bergeron is still widely considered one of the league’s best players in the 2021-22 season. He continued playing at a high level and maintaining a consistent shutdown defense.
The Frank J. Selke Trophy is given to the NHL forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game.
For the fifth time in his career, Patrice Bergeron is taking it home. He thanks the @NHLBruins fans and his teammates for the continued support. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/3Cq7ir9beq
— NHL (@NHL) June 5, 2022
Receiving fifth Selke Trophy
Upon receiving the award, Bergeron thanked his teammates, coaches, and the entire Boston Bruins organization, saying they helped him become “a better player and person”. He also thanked his family, friends, and the people who had supported him throughout his career.
“I’ve had so much help along the way, so many people I need to thank,” said Bergeron. “I’m humbled by the honor and I’m sharing this award with my teammates, past and present, my coaches, trainers and the whole Boston Bruins organization. Thank you for making me a better player and person, … And also to my wife (Stephanie Bertrand) and three beautiful kids, Zach, Victoria and Noah. Thanks for always being there for me no matter what.”
He led the league in faceoff percentage and won more than 1,000 faceoffs during the season. He also finished second in the faceoffs and was second in the league in blocked shots. Additionally, he finished third on the team with 65 points. He managed to help the Bruins reach the playoffs with 65 points (24 goals, 40 assists).
The award, voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association members, was presented to him by Doug Jarvis.
His contract with the Bruins expires at the end of this season, and it is still uncertain whether Bergeron will continue playing for the team next season. The 6-feet-1 has made it known that he has only two options for his future. If he decides to re-sign with the Bruins, he will be one of the league’s best all-around players for the next couple of seasons.