Philadelphia Flyers: Sean Couturier a Selke finalist

Sean Couturier is once again a Selke Trophy finalist. But this time, the Flyers center has his best chance to win it.

Sean Couturier has often seen his name on the list for the Selke Trophy. But is this the year the Flyers center can finally take the award home? The data and on-ice test leads to believe that this is the year.

Couturier is often one of the best defensive centers in the game. Which is exactly what the Selke is supposed to celebrate. It is given to the forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game.

The other two finalists are familiar names on the list as well. That would be St. Louis Blues Ryan O’Reilly and Boston Bruins Patrice Bergeron. O’Reilly took home the award last season.

Couturier stacks up well against both of these players when it comes to his chances for the award. But looking at just what he does for the Flyers alone, he is arguably their best player. It is no surprise he took him their team MVP award once again.

He has by far the best Corsi for percentage on the team at even strength, coming in 56.25%. That translates to 990 chances for and 770 chances against. And with almost 20 minutes of ice time per game, that is impressive.

Couturier also drives play well, meaning he is keeping the puck out of his own defensive end. That translates into a 55.36 Fenwick percentage, also best on the team at even strength.

It also helps that he is one of the beet faceoff men in the game, especially in the defensive end. 344 of his faceoffs have come in his own zone, the most out of each zone. He has about a 59.5% mark in the defensive zone, third best in the entire league. His own teammate, Claude Giroux, has the best mark there.

Couturier knows what it takes to win this award even though he has yet to do that. And he knows exactly who has set the bar for it. That is four-time winner Patrice Bergeron.

“I believe he does all the little things right. Barely makes any mistakes, plays the right way, he’s responsible. He’s definitely a player that any young guy could look up to.‘’

It’s no surprise that this is the ninth time that Bergeron is up for the award.