Aarif Deen
Another Avalanche forward is in the running for a notable NHL award. Center Brock Nelson was named as one of the three finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, it was announced on Wednesday. The Selke is awarded annually to the forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game.
Along with Nelson, the other two finalists are Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli and Montreal’s Nick Suzuki. Neither of the three finalists have won it before.
Nelson was a key piece in helping the Avalanche elevate their game back to being a top seed in the Western Conference and the eventual Presidents’ Trophy winners. He was acquired ahead of the 2025 trade deadline and solidified the second-line center role that hadn’t been the same since Nazem Kadri departed following the 2022 Stanley Cup championship run.
Kadri has since returned at this year’s deadline, but he now plays on the third line because of Nelson’s strong season. The 34-year-old centerman, in his first full season with the Avalanche, had 33 goals, 32 assists, and 65 points in 81 games. There was a stretch in the middle of the season where he was among the top goal-scorers in the league.
However, the Selke highlights the defensive side of the game, and it’s something that Nelson has thrived at since opening night, regardless of what his production has looked like. Avs coach Jared Bednar paired Nelson with Valeri Nichushkin upon his arrival last year, and that remained through this entire season. The duo, led by Nelson, became a shutdown pair on Colorado’s second line, and that has continued in the playoffs.
Nelson is in the first of a three-year contract signed with Colorado last June. He makes $7.5 million per year, and is among — deservedly so — the highest paid second-line centers in the league.
How The Selke Is Awarded
The leadership of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association picks a select handful of writers from each hockey market to vote on annual awards such as the Selke, Norris, Hart, Byng, and more. Each selected writer is to vote for five players, ranked in order from first to fifth, and submit it to the league after the regular season is completed and before the playoffs commence.
For the fifth season in a row, I was among the voters. Although I can’t share my votes until the awards are announced, I can confirm that Nelson was on my ballot.