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NHL Awards: Sean Couturier Dark Horse to Start New Selke Trophy Era

By Suraj Sukumar |
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 20: Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier (14) passes the puck during the third period. The Philadelphia Flyers avoided elimination with a 4-2 win in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 20, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Penguins lead the series 3-2. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 20: Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier (14) passes the puck during the third period. The Philadelphia Flyers avoided elimination with a 4-2 win in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 20, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Penguins lead the series 3-2. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Sean Couturier may have what it takes to supplant Patrice Bergeron and Anze Kopitar as the best defensive forward at the 2018 NHL Awards

Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier has finally hit the mainstream. Hardcore fans have loved him for years, but the everyday fan should know his name by now. Especially after his incredible 2017-18 season. He’s a breakout star after getting nominated for the Selke Trophy at the 2018 NHL Awards.

Playing for the Philadelphia Flyers, Couturier continues to grow as a two-way center. While his defensive game has been on point from the start, his recent offensive surge is making him one of the best centers in the NHL.

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Couturier hovered around the 30-40 point range in his previous seasons, but that was primarily due to his role and usage. The Flyers were stacked up front and needed to play Claude Giroux and Brayden Schenn in top-six roles. Couturier is the better defensive option and proved that over several Stanley Cup playoff runs.

Now, he is on full display, and has not disappointed with his opportunity. Couturier is now a top-six forward, probably a top line center on most teams, and excelled at both ends in 2017-18.

Couturier’s usage rate is one of the biggest factors for his nomination. He ranked second in total ice time (third in average ice time) and finished with a third-best plus-34 rating in the NHL. His 31 goals and 76 points are especially impressive given his role with the Flyers. He set personal records in every offensive stat but solidified himself as one of the NHL’s toughest players to play against.

The Selke Trophy Competition

Patrice Bergeron set a record this year with his seventh consecutive nomination. This isn’t just a name game, either. Bergeron excelled once again and continues to dominate the face-off circle as a true center in the NHL.

His defensive game has been one of the best for years, and his ability to control the game and set up plays is what helped the Boston Bruins succeed in 2017-18. If he were to take home the award once again, this would be his fifth victory and would stand as the NHL record for most Selke Trophy wins.

Anze Kopitar was no slouch in 2017-18. Not only did he play all 82 games, but he returned to elite status with strong offensive numbers. At the same time, he remains one of the best defensive forwards in the NHL.

The Los Angeles Kings pride themselves on their defensive game, and Kopitar leads the charge as one of the league’s best. He also set personal records across the board and finished with 92 points this season.

Next: 5 reasons the Flyers lost to the Penguins

Looking at all three finalists, this might be one of the toughest years for the Selke Trophy in years. While Bergeron and Kopitar are true legends of the defensive game, Couturier slowly made his way into the conversation. And, at 25 years old, Couturier looks primed to take home his first Selke, establishing a new era for defensive forwards in the NHL.

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