The early phase of the current NHL season has sparked a fascinating shift in how player value is measured. The spotlight is no longer reserved solely for goal scorers. Coaches, analysts, and fans are now paying closer attention to a more complete style of play. The focus has expanded to include how forwards control the game's flow, break up opponent attacks, and shift momentum—all without necessarily lighting the lamp. This change in perspective has made the race for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the league's best defensive forward, more exciting and unpredictable than it has been in years.
A New Breed of Contenders Enters the Fray
This refreshed outlook has created a golden opportunity for players traditionally celebrated for their offensive prowess. It allows them to demonstrate significant growth in their two-way game, fundamentally altering the discussion about what truly contributes to winning hockey. The early season standings have underscored a refreshing truth: when on-ice performance outweighs reputation, new names rise to prominence. This shift has opened the door for forwards whose value extends far beyond scoring, directly pulling superstars like Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers and Mitch Marner of the Vegas Golden Knights into the heart of the Selke conversation.
In a detailed analysis of the Selke Trophy landscape for The Athletic, renowned NHL analyst Dom Luszczyszyn placed both Draisaitl and Marner in the top tier of defensive forwards this season. Using his Defensive Rating model, he highlighted the unpredictable nature of this year's contest. "With no Aleksander Barkov this season, the Selke trophy race will likely be this season’s most fascinating," Luszczyszyn wrote, pointing to a rare opening for two-way excellence. His early analysis positioned Montreal Canadiens' captain Nick Suzuki as the frontrunner, praising his remarkable ability to suppress opposing scoring chances.
Offensive Stars Showcase Defensive Maturity
Beyond Suzuki, Luszczyszyn's examination highlighted players making a defensive impact in subtler, yet highly effective ways. It is in this category that Marner and Draisaitl have shone brightly. Luszczyszyn explicitly noted that "Mitch Marner, Leon Draisaitl, and Matty Beniers have all put up excellent results," lending significant credibility to their defensive evolution.
Draisaitl's recognition is particularly noteworthy as he continues to serve as Edmonton's primary offensive engine. Despite the Oilers' occasional struggles, the German center has noticeably sharpened his defensive engagements. He excels at reading plays before they develop, providing crucial support to his defensemen during sustained pressure, and using his size and impeccable timing to disrupt opponent transitions. These efforts rarely show up on the scoresheet but have been instrumental in stabilizing the Oilers in key moments.
Marner's transformation in Vegas has been equally compelling. Embracing a larger role with his new team, he has handled added responsibilities with characteristic poise. While his elite playmaking skills remain intact, they are now complemented by strong puck-pursuit habits and intelligent defensive recoveries. Marner frequently turns defensive stops into immediate counter-attacking opportunities, a dual-threat capability that has proven invaluable for Vegas in tightly contested games.
The Broader Impact on the NHL Landscape
The wider analysis also acknowledged strong defensive campaigns from veterans like Mikael Backlund and Mika Zibanejad, as well as emerging players such as Tyson Foerster. However, the season's standout narrative is how natural scorers like Draisaitl and Marner have successfully layered defensive maturity into their elite skill sets. They may not fit the classic mold of a shutdown specialist, but they are powerfully proving that elite offense can coexist with a disciplined, balanced two-way identity.
This evolution in player performance and award evaluation signals a healthy change for the league. It rewards completeness and hockey intelligence, encouraging stars to develop all facets of their game. As the season progresses, the Selke Trophy race, fueled by these unexpected contenders, promises to be one of the most closely watched and debated storylines in the NHL.
