Patrice Bergeron has won his record-breaking fifth Selke Trophy. The award is given to the player who “demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game.” Winning in a landslide, the hockey world is reacting to the news, congratulating one of the greatest runs in modern NHL history. A finalist for a record 11th consecutive season, he claimed 160 of 195 first-place Selke votes.
Taking the throne.
Patrice Bergeron has won his record-breaking fifth Selke Trophy. Congratulations to the #SelkeKing!
: https://t.co/bUgJ8PY8gV pic.twitter.com/D7WAW5ghJd
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 5, 2022
Bergeron said of his win, “It’s definitely an honor. I’m humbled, that’s the first word that comes to mind.” He added, “There are many people to thank.”
Recognizing what an amazing feat this is, the NHL tweeted, “Patrice Bergeron is your 2021-22 Frank J. Selke Trophy winner! He now has sole possession of the most wins in NHL history as he’s taken home the trophy five times!” Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic writes, “The Selke voting was just a formality. Patrice Bergeron had this in the bag.” Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff writes, “With his fifth career win, Bergeron passes #GoHabsGo Hall of Famer Bob Gainey, for whom the top defensive forward award was created in 1977.”
@JFresh writes, “In the past 11 seasons, 1732 Selke ballots have been submitted. Patrice Bergeron’s name has been on 1605 (92.7%) of them, and he was ranked 1st on 749 (43.2%) of them.”
The question now will be, does Bergeron re-sign with the Bruins in the offseason and try to go for a sixth trophy? He noted when talking about his win that he has yet to decide about next season. He’s a UFA this summer with an injury to boot. He underwent surgery on his left elbow to repair a tendon. He noted it was bothering him for “probably the last two years.”
Bergeron said he doesn’t see himself playing in any other uniform, but he’s potentially contemplating retirement. Does this trophy win influence his decision? Time will tell.
Flames forward Elias Lindholm finished second in Selke Trophy voting with 21 first-place votes.
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