Every so often some very good players retire without having won anything, but in reality, they were just overshadowed, playing at the wrong time, or someone was always just a little bit better each season. In Filip Forsberg's great career to this point, that has been the case. Forsberg is an elite talent who has proven it on the ice since the very start. His first full season in the NHL came in 2014-15 at 20 years old. He immediately broke out offensively putting up 26 goals and 63 points in 82 games. This earned him fourth place in Calder Trophy voting for rookie of the year. That would also be the highest he's ever finished in the NHL in trophy voting. Who was Forsberg beat out by that season? An 18-year-old Aaron Ekblad after being drafted first overall, Mark Stone, and Johnny Gaudreau. Both forwards finished with one more points than Forsberg that season. Forsberg followed his very impressive rookie season up with his first of four 30-goal seasons in his career. He scored 33 goals and 64 points in 82 games. This wasn't good enough to get into any scoring races, but he did receive some recognition for his two-way play. Forberg finished 10th in Selke Trophy voting. This trophy is more widely spread out with voters all claiming certain players they watch more had better play on the defensive side of the puck. The Swedish winger's name was also voted for in the Lady Byng conversation, but only as a 56th place finish. He had 47 penalty minutes, so this doesn't make much sense. As this was in his second season and he's played in eight seasons since then, the only two votes he's received since are for the Lady Byng as well. Both were 40+ place finishes. Forsberg is very talented and one of the best players in the league, but he's always a step behind from the elite of the elite. He has 287 goals and 605 points in 698 career games, even scoring 109 goals and 220 points in his last 201 games (previous three seasons), but that hasn't been good enough to be recognized in anything. Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg speaks to the media following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. Even by leading the Nashville Predators with 48 goals and 94 points last season, he was double digit goals and points behind the leaders and didn't get any recognition defensively or otherwise. Forsberg is 30 years old and in his prime, but there are some incredible players around the league who are only getting better. While Forsberg should stay at the top of his game, he may never get any more trophy recognition for his play. His one shot may just be the Stanley Cup, which is better than any individual award. RECENT PREDATORS NEWS Predators' Zachary L'Heureux is 'Showing Up With Something to Prove, Nothing to Lose' [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/predators-zachary-lheureux-is-showing-up-with-something-to-prove-nothing-to-lose] Top Centers Are Tough to Come By, So Nashville Predators Have to Develop Well [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/top-centers-are-tough-to-come-by-so-nashville-predators-have-to-develop-well] Magnus Chrona is Soaking it All In at First Predators Rookie Camp [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/magnus-chrona-is-soaking-it-all-in-at-first-predators-rookie-camp] Nashville Predators' Luke Schenn Will Hit Huge Career Milestone in 4 Games [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/nashville-predators-luke-schenn-will-hit-huge-career-milestone-in-4-games]
