Jordan Staal - Best defensive forward in the NHL?

Question

Selke Trophy winner this season?

Answer 1

The kid deserves some credit. I think the Selke might be within the possibilities. Never had a minus game, leads league in shorthanded goals and leads his team in shooting percentage. Personally, I think Grapes is right he should win the Calder. He'll be better than Malkin in 5 years. Pittsburgh's problem may be trying to keep him and crosby and malkin once they can be free-agents.

Answer 2

I don't know if the NHL would give the Selke to a first year player but Jordan Staal is definitely making a name for himself to be at least a mention in several trophies such as the Selke and the Calder.

I don't think we should use +/- to talk up or talk down a player's defensive prowess. Much of a forwards +/- comes down to the goalie and defenseman doing their jobs. That being said a forward can have a significant impact if the other team never gets into the offensive zone. However, think of it as if you were a defensive end and every time the ball came your way you made the tackle. Maybe you end up with the most tackles in the league but you go 4-12 because team's just mostly run over your weak right side. Does that mean you shouldn't be considered for defensive player of the year. I mean I know it will never change but it's just like baseball giving a gold glove to a player who has a good batting average instead of the best defensive player at whatever position the award is being given to. I mean if the batting average must be considered then make a 2nd award for best defensive player at said position.

Answer 3

I don't think he'll win the Selke Trophy this year, but I do see him as a Sergei Federov type. Someone who can score, and work in his own end. I like the way they use him on the penalty kills. It reminds me of the way Lemieux was used, with his anticipation, speed, and finishes. Staal really knows about positioning and shutting off passing lanes. I say look for him to win a Selke Trophy in the next 5 years.

Answer 4

I would like him to be the selke winner but as others have stated I don't know if a rookie ever won it. My guess it would go to Madden of the devils. Not that madden is a bad choice but I think staal should win with the short handed points he has accumulated.

Answer 5

Probably not. Scoring short-handed goals is nice and all, but that is not "defensive," is it? He's a solid enough guy on the penalty kill, but he has a long way to go to be the best defensively. I, personally, like David Legwand for the Selke this year. Unfortunately, I think there is a tendency for this award to go to older players. The same people seem to be up for it most years. I wouldn't be surprised to see Lehtinen and Brind'Amour up for it again. In that sense, I would not complain to see Staal get a look for it!

Answer 6

uh, this year he has been good, and is definitely a candidate, but best in the NHL? this is likely a result of bias, but Kris Draper is the best defensive forward in the NHL, although this year, i think Henrik Zetterberg should be nominated. Hank has burned penalties, he is terrific when it comes to take-aways, and his plus minus is fantastic. ok, now that my Wings bias is out of the way, i will admit that Staal is also a possible Selke candidate (my money is on a couple other players though), and, i really can't say best in the NHL. too young, and too early in his career.

ohh well, we can probably all agree that Lidstrom is a lock for the Norris.

Answer 7

I'd say doubtful on the Selke. Maybe in the future though. There are too many veteran players whose bread and butter is the defensive forward position.

I think Ovechkin's -19 is probably more exemplary of his teams terrible play than his defensive skills, but I do agree that he is pretty much SOLELY offensive minded. He's a puck hog. He puts up points but he could put up way more if he had a complete game, something Crosby is starting to show this year.

Answer 8

I think he might well have had the best season defensively of any player in the league and why shouldn't he get consideration just because he is a rookie? Should have no bearing. The only downfalls would be his ice time is not up there with some other guys and Pittsburgh is really in the middle of the pack as far as PK% and overall goals allowed so it would usually go to a player on one of the top defensive teams, which Pittsburgh is not.
On the other side of the coin, he does lead the league in SH goals AND is a great young energy at both ends and especiaally on the PK. He also leads the league in shooting%.

Answer 9

No, Staal is good, but he won't win the selke. madden or legwand probably.

Looks to me like Brodeur will take the Vezina and probably the Hart as well.

Crosby the art ross.

Who takes the Norris this year? Lindstrom again?

Answer 10

I think David Legwand gets the Selke nod this year. He has a +30 rating while skating against the opponents' top lines and has chipped in 23 goals fro the Preds.