Is Mikael Backlund a legitimate Selke Trophy candidate?

[TheScorpion]

http://www.firesidechat.ca/2017/03/c...und-win-selke/

Hey everyone,

I've written an article for Fireside Chat that I felt the community might find interesting. It examines Mikael Backlund's case for the Selke Trophy alongside the qualifications of six other major candidates.

I'm interested to hear from you guys regarding the Selke race and who you think should win. I hope you enjoy the article.

[Canada 02]

I have no faith in Backlund

[Street Pharmacist]

Pretty good overview. Unfortunately for Crosby, his Hart, Richard, Art Ross and Pearson trophies probably prevent anyone from voting for him which is a shame. I don't agree sv%rel is at all useful in evaluating skaters as it doesn't appear to be a skill that one can influence

Backlund is as you noted not in the same league as Bergeron defensively, but the reverse is true offensively.

I think Kesler wins it as he's been dominant both ways.

[Canada 02]

I wonder if he has enough name recognition to even be on the radar of the eastern hockey writers? Think it would be a great accomplishment if he can be a finalist; I'd expect him to get some western media votes, and maybe finish ~5th in voting

[jayswin]

Even star players in the West have a tough time getting proper recognition from the east, how would Backlund possibly get enough to be in consideration for the Selke?

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

I wonder if he has enough name recognition to even be on the radar of the eastern hockey writers? Think it would be a great accomplishment if he can be a finalist; I'd expect him to get some western media votes, and maybe finish ~5th in voting

If you look at the awards, there's pretty even recognition between east/west players

[Fire]

If Backlund's not in the top 3 in voting it would be criminal. If he played for the Leafs he would win it hands down.

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

If you look at the awards, there's pretty even recognition between east/west players

I was specifically referring to Backlund's recognition in the east. Toews, Kopitar and Kessler have had playoff runs that help establish and cement their names in the east and across the league. I don't think Backlund is well known across the league. When Brouwer joined the Flames, he remarked at how he didn't know much about Backlund until now. I suspect that is a common sentiment

[Kipper_3434]

I don't want him to be a finalist. Because I'm selfish and want him to be our little secret.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

If you look at the awards, there's pretty even recognition between east/west players

East West conferences or Eastern vs Western time zones?

[mrdonkey]

Backlund is probably in the conversation but it seems to come down to Bergeron, Kesler, and Toews every single year. If Backlund strings a couple of these kinds of seasons together maybe he joins that group.

[Locke]

If you are a member of the Calgary Flames its wisest to resign yourself to never winning any awards that you didnt just straight out win.

#jaromewasrobbedofthehart

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

East West conferences or Eastern vs Western time zones?

That may exist, but conference wise it's pretty even

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

East West conferences or Eastern vs Western time zones?

Almost no media watches western conference games unless there's something special going on. Games end midnight or later, and most guys got early morning radio bits or whatever.
Has to be a factor.

[Finger Cookin]

Based on how NHL awards seem to work, this season will serve to legitimize Backlund for future Selke consideration. He may finish top 5 this season.

[Table 5]

For the sake of our cap, I'd rather Backlund start winning Selkes after, not before, he signs his next contract. He can stay under the radar until then.

[FireGilbert]

He does deserve it. Unfortunately it will go to Towes, Kesler and Bergeron who all have name recognition.

[kbvall]

I said it before and I will say it again; who cares about awards? This is a team game and I go for the Flames every time.


Skickat från min iPhone med Tapatalk

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

That may exist, but conference wise it's pretty even

Well conference wise doesn't matter, it's about time zones. Most of the hockey media are tucking themselves into bed by the time the Sharks, Kings, Ducks Canucks etc start the majority of games.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Legitimate candidate? Yes. But as good as he is, and frankly as good as he's been for a while, there is still a Patrice Bergeron. No one else should really get the Selke as long as there is a Patrice Bergeron. It was a joke that Toews won it.