NHL insider reveals his shocking award vote choice on Leon Draisaitl
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl still doesn't have a reputation for being an elite defensive player, but NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has revealed he voted for Draisaitl to win the Selke Trophy.
The Oilers are thought of as a high octane offence team around the NHL, but have matured to play a dominant two-way game. Connor McDavid said after their series win that he's tired of their poor defensive reputation.
Prominent NHL insider reveals he voted for Leon Draisaitl to win Selke Trophy
On the most recent edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman strongly hinted that he voted Leon Draisaitl for the Selke Trophy this season.
Draisaitl, remember what he said? I'd love to win the Selke, it would be more important than any other individual award. Let's just say I feel really good about my Selke vote after watching him in Games 4 and 5.
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Friedman is referencing an earlier interview with Draisaitl, where the Oilers superstar said he'd want to win the Selke over anything else to solidify the team's reputation as a two-way effort.
To see the top NHL insider throwing support for Leon Draisaitl to win the Selke comes as a shock. It's a total turnaround from the national media to recognize the growth of Draisaitl's game, and for a forward to win the Selke without penalty killing would be incredibly rare.
Leon Draisaitl deserves Selke Trophy for elite two way season
All season long, Leon Draisaitl's consistent dominance in all situations was incomparable to any other player. Even as McDavid had a slower year, Draisaitl never missed a beat.
When his team needs him most in the playoffs, Draisaitl has once again met the moment. Through 11 playoff games, Draisaitl has scored 16 points and shut down the opposition's top players to nearly no offence.
Compared against the favourite for the Selke trophy, Aleksander Barkov, Draisaitl has been producing even better results. By raw numbers, Draisaitl's +20 on ice rating is ridiculous.
This year wouldn't be the first that Draisaitl has received Selke votes, but in a year that also sees him as a Hart Trophy candidate, perhaps he'll get more of the vote share. As he continues to improve his game even after a lifetime contract extension, maybe Draisaitl will eventually win a Selke in his career.
| POLL | ||
MAI 16 | 624 ANSWERS NHL insider reveals his shocking award vote choice on Leon Draisaitl Do you think Draisaitl will win a Selke Trophy in his NHL career? | ||
| Yes | 538 | 86.2 % |
| No | 86 | 13.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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