3. Nico Hischier could win the Selke Trophy
Nico Hischier is a name that will be in the Selke Trophy conversation for years to come. The Devils captain finished second in voting for the top defensive forward behind Patrice Bergeron in 2022-23. He finished 19th in voting in 2023-24 despite a rough year. It’s safe to say that last season was not a great year for the Devils. This year, the Devils are back and so is Hischier.
While the award focuses on defense, it doesn’t hurt to also bring offense. Hischier is a prime example of a two-way player, someone who brings offense mixed with defensive responsibility. He has a 13 +/- rating and has 36 points in 43 games this year. Hischier has won 55.6% of his faceoffs. Whether he's getting gritty in a puck battle or blocking a shot, his situational awareness is a huge tool for the Devils. Hischier's consistency and leadership are crucial.
Hischier is up against Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart and Anthony Cirelli as top contenders for this season’s Selke Trophy. Barkov has won the award twice and is the favored to win again, but Hischier has taken leaps forward. A strong second half from Hischier could lead to his first Selke Trophy win.