Selke Trophy Odds (2026-27)

The following post features Selke Trophy Odds (2026-27).

With the NHL season approaching, sportsbooks have released the Frank J. Selke Trophy odds, providing a look at the top contenders for the award recognizing the best defensive forward.

Read: NHL Vezina Trophy Odds

Related: NHL Art Ross Trophy Odds

As the NHL season progresses, bettors and fans can see which two-way forwards are likely to anchor elite defenses and stand out as the league’s most effective players this season.

So, how is the Selke Trophy race shaping up for 2026-27? Here’s what you need to know.

Selke Trophy Odds (2026-27)

Below is a table displaying the odds for the Frank J. Selke Trophy. All odds were sourced on September 21, 2026. Click here for the very latest odds (via OddsChecker).

Preseason Player Spotlights

Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers)

The three-time Selke winner returns after missing the entire 2025-26 season with a knee injury sustained in training camp. Barkov has already shown he is fully healthy, captaining Finland to gold at the 2026 World Championship with 11 points in 10 games. Widely regarded as one of the premier two-way centers of his generation, he enters the new season as the clear favorite to reclaim the award.

Nick Suzuki (Montreal Canadiens)

The reigning Selke Trophy winner built on years of strong defensive play with a career-best offensive season in 2025-26, posting 29 goals and 72 assists for 101 points while posting a plus-37 rating. Suzuki excelled in all situations, led Canadiens forwards in ice time, and helped Montreal reach the Eastern Conference Final. He remains one of the most complete centers in the league.

Anthony Cirelli (Tampa Bay Lightning)

A two-time consecutive Selke finalist, Cirelli continued his elite two-way play in 2025-26 with 23 goals, 29 assists, and a career-best plus-38 rating in 71 games. He consistently takes on the toughest defensive assignments, leads Lightning forwards in shorthanded ice time, and helps drive strong even-strength and penalty-kill results for Tampa Bay.

Brock Nelson (Colorado Avalanche)

In his first full season with Colorado, Nelson emerged as a first-time Selke finalist after recording 33 goals and 32 assists for 65 points in 81 games with a plus-15 rating. The veteran center contributed strong face-off work, penalty-kill minutes, and reliable two-way play on a Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche team.

Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils)

The Devils captain continues to grow into one of the NHL’s most complete two-way centers. In 2025-26 he recorded 28 goals and 38 assists for 66 points in 82 games while leading the league in face-offs won. Hischier handles heavy defensive minutes and remains a consistent Selke vote-getter as New Jersey’s top center.

Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers)

A consistent Selke contender in recent years (including a runner-up finish in 2024-25), Reinhart posted 29 goals and 32 assists for 61 points in 64 games during an injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign. Known for his strong two-way play, face-off reliability, and ability to contribute in all situations, he remains a key piece of Florida’s top-six forward group.

Selke Trophy Winner (2025-26)

Nick Suzuki (Montreal Canadiens) won the 2025-26 Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL’s top defensive forward.

It was the first Selke of Suzuki’s career and the first for a Canadiens player since Guy Carbonneau in 1991-92. He received 151 first-place votes and 1,726 points from the Professional Hockey Writers Association, finishing well ahead of Anthony Cirelli (467 points) and Brock Nelson (406 points).

Suzuki put together a career year offensively while excelling defensively, recording 29 goals and 72 assists for 101 points in 82 games with a plus-37 rating. He led Montreal forwards in ice time (20:49 per game), ranked sixth league-wide in face-offs taken, and the Canadiens outscored opponents 94-58 at even strength when he was on the ice. The captain’s complete two-way game helped Montreal reach the Eastern Conference Final and established him as one of the premier centers in the league.

Frank J. Selke Trophy

The Frank J. Selke Trophy is presented annually to the National Hockey League forward who best excels in the defensive components of the game. The winner is determined by a poll taken at the conclusion of the regular season, submitted by members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA). This award historically emphasizes the demanding position of Center and heavily rewards players who demonstrate elite defensive metrics, including high face-off win percentages, strong penalty-killing contributions, and advanced possession stats (Corsi/Fenwick). To be a genuine contender, the forward must also typically produce enough offense to remain on a team’s top two lines and contribute to their overall team success.

Selke Trophy Winners (by Year)

Click here for the Selke Trophy Winner by year.