Anze Kopitar Selke Trophy (2018)
The King's crown jewel: Anže Kopitar claims the Selke for his masterful two-way dominance.
On June 25, 2018, Anže Kopitar won the Frank J. Selke Trophy, adding another major chapter to his Los Angeles Kings career built on elite two-way play and leadership. Given to the league's best defensive forward, this award recognized Kopitar's knack for shutting down opposition offense while keeping his own scoring numbers high. More than just an individual honor, it proved he is the heartbeat of the Kings' system, anchoring their defense right from center ice.
- Player
- Anže Kopitar
- Team
- Los Angeles Kings
- Award
- Frank J. Selke Trophy
- Year
- 2017-18 Season (Awarded in 2018)
- Position
- Center
- Significance
- First Slovenian to win the award
Lore & Background
The victory was particularly poignant as it marked the first time a player from Slovenia had ever won the award, bridging the gap between European hockey traditions and North American dominance. For the Kings organization, which had already tasted Stanley Cup glory with Kopitar at the helm in 2012 and 2014, this honor validated his evolution into an all-around complete player. It was a recognition that went beyond statistics; it was an acknowledgment of the intangible pressure he exerted on opponents simply by dropping the gloves or positioning himself to break up plays.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights hummed over the ice at Staples Center, casting long shadows as Anže Kopitar skated back into his own zone. A rival winger, known for his speed and slap shot, carried the puck past the blue line, eyes locked on a shooting lane. But before he could wind up, a familiar jersey #11 appeared out of nowhere. With a subtle shift of weight and a perfectly timed stick check, Kopitar stripped the puck away, instantly pivoting to start a counter-attack. In that split second, the crowd roared not for a goal, but for the prevention of one—the quiet, relentless artistry that would eventually earn him the Selke.
Reader's Guide
The Frank J. Selke Trophy is awarded annually to the forward who demonstrates the most outstanding defensive play in the National Hockey League. Anže Kopitar secured this prestigious honor at the conclusion of the 2017-18 season, officially receiving it during the NHL Awards ceremony in June 2018. This achievement was significant because it crowned a career defined by consistency and two-way excellence. While many players excel on one side of the puck, Kopitar's unique value lay in his ability to be a primary offensive threat while simultaneously serving as the team's most reliable defensive anchor. His win highlighted the importance of centers who can control the game from both ends of the ice. For the Los Angeles Kings, this trophy reinforced their identity as a team built on structure and responsibility. Kopitar's Selke win was not an anomaly but the culmination of years of setting the standard for what a center should be in the modern NHL.
Did You Know?
- Anže Kopitar is the first player from Slovenia to ever win the Frank J. Selke Trophy.
- He won the award during his 13th season with the Los Angeles Kings, showcasing incredible longevity.
- The 2017-18 season saw Kopitar lead all forwards in plus-minus rating, a key factor in his Selke victory.
- Kopitar is one of only a handful of players to win both the Stanley Cup and the Selke Trophy.