On Friday, the NHL named Anthony Cirelli as one of three finalists for the 2024-25 Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game. It’s the first time a Tampa Bay Lightning player has ever been named a finalist for the award.

“This has been a long time coming for him,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. “Finally, he's getting the recognition he's deserved.”

Cirelli joins Florida Panthers forwards Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart as this year’s finalists. All three played major roles in their teams’ success, but it’s Cirelli’s all-around game that stands out for the Lightning.

“For Cirelli to be in that group of players is richly deserved, but sometimes for these awards you have to wait your time,”’said Cooper. “And he consistently played with his heart on his sleeve, and now he's getting rewarded for it."

Cirelli recorded a career-best +30 rating, seventh among NHL forwards, and set a new scoring mark with 59 points (27 goals, 32 assists) in 80 games. He led all Lightning forwards in shorthanded ice time (164:19) for a unit that ranked sixth in the NHL at 81.6% and contributed seven shorthanded points (four goals, three assists), tied for second in the NHL.

Cirelli is a first-time NHL Awards finalist however, he’s had two top-five finishes, finishing fourth in 2019-20 and fifth in 2021-22. He has received votes every season since 2018-19, his first full season in the NHL.