Flyers' Couturier wins Selke Trophy

Philadelphia Flyers forward Sean Couturier is the 2019-20 recipient of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, the NHL announced Thursday.

Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins and Ryan O'Reilly of the St. Louis Blues were the other finalists.

The Professional Hockey Writers Association votes on the annual honor at the end of the regular season. The award is bestowed upon "the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game."

Couturier claimed the honor for the first time after finishing second to Anze Kopitar in 2017-18. He led the NHL in faceoff win percentage and ranked second in defensive zone faceoff win percentage while leading Flyers forwards in average ice time and shorthanded ice time. He also led all Philadelphia skaters in shot attempt percentage.

The 27-year-old also notched 59 points in 69 regular-season games.

Bergeron was seeking to claim the Selke Trophy for the fifth time, which would have given him sole possession of the most ever. He's tied with the legendary Bob Gainey at four. Bergeron is a nine-time finalist.

O'Reilly won the award last season.

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