Jonathan Toews Named Finalist for Selke Trophy

Apr 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) celebrates scoring a goal against Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (not pictured) during the third period at the United Center. The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in the shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Along with Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins, and Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings, Jonathan Toews has been announced as a finalist to win the Frank J. Selke Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL forward who demonstrated the most skill, in the defensive aspect of hockey.

This is the second time Toews has been nominated for the Selke Trophy, and it is coming off of the heels of a very argubale Hart Trophy nomination snub.  The first Selke nomination came in 2011, when the award eventually went to Ryan Kessler of the Vancouver Canucks.  Toews is likely nominated for obviously his excellence on the defensive side of the game, as well as his time on the Blackhawks Penalty Killing unit, but most likely for his absolute excellence in the Faceoff circle.  Let’s face it, the best defense is when you eliminate any need for it, at least immediately after the puck drop.

The last Blackhawk to win the Selke Trophy was Centerman, Dirk Graham, back in 1991.  Coincidentally, that was the last season the Hawks won the President’s Trophy, excluding this season, obviously.

Congratulations, Jonathan and hopefully he can bring home the trophy in Vegas, this summer!