Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron has won the Selke Trophy for a record fifth time. He still hasn't decided if he'll be back to try for a sixth trophy.
Patrice Bergeron is the Selke Trophy winner as the NHL's best defensive forward for a record-breaking fifth time.Bergeron accepted the award Sunday in the aftermath of surgery for a tendon in his left elbow and still unsure whether he'll return for a 19th season. He turns 37 in July.
Bergeron winning the Selke for a fifth time broke a tie with Montreal Canadiens Hall of Famer Bob Gainey, who won the award in its first four years of existence. This was his 11th consecutive season as a finalist – the longest streak in league history, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s 10-year run finishing in the top three in voting for the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP from 1980-89.
Bergeron likely has fewer years left playing hockey than Lindholm and Barkov, though next season could be a major task for the dedicated center who helped Boston win the Stanley Cup in 2011 and make the final in 2013 and ‘19. Marchand and top defenseman Charlie McAvoy are expected to miss at least the first couple of months after undergoing surgery, and others won’t be ready for opening night.