Year in and year out, Sean Couturier has always been a candidate for the Selke Trophy. Even in his rookie season, the center got some votes for the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game, and finished 41st in voting. Between then and 2016-17, Couturier added two top-ten finishes for the trophy, but it was last season that really solidified his standing around the league.
Scoring 76 points in 82 games last season, Couturier finished second for the Selke Trophy and was constantly a favorite for the award from the start of the season.