This is the second time Barkov has won the Selke Trophy, also taking it home in 2021

Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov is the NHL’s premiere two-way forward.

For the second time in his career, Barkov has been named the winning of the NHL’s annual Frank J. Selke Trophy.

The Selke is awarded annually "to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game,” according to the NHL.

“This season Sasha once again demonstrated his unique ability to dominate the 200-foot game, and this award is deserved recognition of not only his talent and effort but also his selfless devotion to his team,” Panthers General Manager Bill Zito said in a statement. “His commitment to training and preparation are second to none in this league. We all follow Sasha’s lead and are proud to have him as our captain.”

Barkov has now been chosen as a finalist for the Selke in three of the past four seasons, including his win in 2021-22.

His all-around play for the Panthers has been invaluable.  

“I don't really even have words for what he's doing for our team right now,” Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk said of Barkov. “He's playing the best hockey in the world right now, he's the best player in the world right now. At both ends of the ice, he's been unbelievable.”

Barkov remains the only player in Panthers history to win the Selke Trophy. He is just the second Finnish player to win the award, after Jere Lehtinen, who won in 1998, 1999 and 2003.

Also selected as finalists this year were Toronto’s Auston Matthews and Carolina’s Jordan Staal.

The winner and finalists are selected by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. 

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