In this edition of the hotstove we share our picks for the 2015-16 Selke winner.
Todd Cordell: Anze Kopitar Kopitar has been one of the NHL's best two-way forwards for a while now yet he's never won the Selke. I think this is his year.
He is an elite center that can not only shutdown his opponents but produce points and drive possession in the process.
This is a contract year, too, so there will be extra motivation for Kopitar to have as good of a season as possible.
John Jaeckel: Ryan Kesler Why? It's his turn I guess and—well—he's a very tough to play against, defense-first center.
The other usual suspects (Toews, Bergeron, Kopitar) will probably all get consideration. And yes, if we're taking turns, it's probably Kopitar's moreso than Kesler's. But, that can be said of a few other deserving players who've never gotten the trophy as well, such as Marian Hossa.
I am also factoring in the teams they play on and how I think those clubs will do, how far they will go this year. The Ducks could be poised for another big year. So, Kesler.
Tim Chiasson: Anze Kopitar Kopitar is fantastic, and severely underrated. He got a nomination for the Selke and significant recognition last year, but this year he's going to win it.
He's a great offensive talent and consistently one of the best two-way forwards in the entire league. Bergeron and Toews get a lot more public affection than Kopitar, but they've already been given the award and I think this is the year that Kopitar finally gets his due from the PHWA.
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