Bergeron of Bruins wins Selke Trophy as best defensive forward

NASHVILLE -- Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins won the Selke Trophy, voted as the NHL forward best to excel in the defensive aspects of the game, at the 2023 NHL Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Monday.

The 36-year-old center extended his record by winning the award for a sixth time, including in consecutive seasons, something he also did in 2013-14 and 2014-15. Bergeron also won the Selke in 2011-12 and 2016-17.

Bergeron, who has been a finalist for the award in each of the past 12 seasons, ranked second in the NHL in face-off percentage (61.1 percent; minimum 500 attempts) behind Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (63.1 percent). He was first in face-offs won (1,043), second in face-offs taken (1,706) and fifth in defensive face-off percentage (61.8 percent).

New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier was runner-up and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitchell Marner finished third in voting for the Selke, which was voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association prior to the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"Sorry I couldn't be with you all tonight," Bergeron said in a video accepting the award. "My wife and I are about to welcome a new addition to our family. This is an incredible honor. I want to congratulate Mitch and Nico on an incredible season. You guys have an amazing future in front of you."

Bergeron, who is Bruins captain, was third among their forwards in average ice time per game (17:24), third in short-handed ice time per game (1:46), second in blocked shots (54) and fourth in takeaways (38). Bergeron's plus-35 rating in 78 games led Bruins forwards and ranked eighth in the NHL among all skaters. His 58 points (27 goals, 31 assists) were third on the team. Bergeron also led Boston in SAT percentage (minimum 50 games), with the Bruins taking 59.7 percent of all shot attempts at 5-on-5 when he was on the ice.

Bergeron helped the Bruins set NHL records with 65 wins and 135 points and clinch a playoff berth for the seventh straight season.

"I want to thank the Boston Bruins organization starting with (owners) the Jacobs family, (president) Cam Neely and (general manager) Don Sweeney, our coaching staff, trainers and everyone that is part of our day to day," Bergeron said. "Thank you for making this organization so special.

"Of course my incredible teammates. It's an honor to compete alongside all of you. Thank you for making me a better player and person. And thanks to my agent, Phil Lecavalier at Quartex Management for guidance. And last by not least, my family, my parents, my brother and, or course, my wife and kids. Thank you for all your incredible support. I am so thankful for all of you."

Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark, who won the Vezina Trophy, gave Bergeron the ultimate compliment.

"Everybody that plays with [Bergeron] can say that he's definitely the best defensive forward of all time," Ullmark said. "There are rumors saying he should have his own award. I'm very happy for him."

Boston forward David Pastrnak said he hopes Bergeron continues his playing career. Bergeron becomes an unrestricted free agent Saturday.

"I mean, he should come back, and they should change the name for his name, the trophy," Pastrnak said.

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery, who won the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year, gave Bergeron high praise.

"I didn't know that he was that good; he's incredible," Montgomery said. "He's the best defensive player I've ever had the fortune to watch or see. He does it daily. His ability to impact others and make them better people is the other thing. Great leader, everybody talks so highly of him, but when youre around it daily, its special. You learn from him, and I think I'm a better person because of him."