MONTREAL (AP) 鈥� Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki has won the Frank J. Selke Trophy given to the NHL’s top defensive forward while teammate Cole Caufield was awarded the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and skill.
Suzuki, the first choice on 151 of the 198 ballots cast by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association for the honor announced Friday, posted a career-high 101 points in 2025-26, and the Canadiens outscored their opponents 94-58 at even strength when Suzuki was on the ice. Tampa Bay center Anthony Cirelli finished second followed by Colorado center Brock Nelson.
鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 happen without him and his leadership every day,鈥� Caufield said of Suzuki, the Canadiens鈥� top center. 鈥淭here鈥檚 so many things that he does that help the team as a whole. We really follow his lead. It鈥檚 very well-deserved, but I think the guys in the room will tell you maybe not expected, but it鈥檚 something that we all knew he has in him.鈥�
Caufield was the Canadiens鈥� first 50-goal scorer in 36 years with 51, and was assessed just seven minor penalties. Newly retired Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar, a three-time Lady Byng winner, was second in voting, followed by Ottawa defenseman Jake Sanderson.
鈥淪pecial to give Cole his award and all the effort that he put in this season and what he鈥檚 done for our team,鈥� Suzuki said. 鈥淭he enthusiasm every morning that we all need on some tough mornings. It was cool to share that experience with him. We鈥檝e been through a lot together.鈥�
Suzuki and Caulfield were tasked with presenting the other with their award and said they had no idea they themselves were winners until they were surprised last month.
鈥淚t got both of us,鈥� Suzuki said on a video conference call of on May 11 that was kept secret for 3 1/2 weeks. 鈥淲e just thought we were both presenting. It was a great job by everyone to keep that on the down low.鈥�
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