Ryan Kesler Nominated for Selke Trophy

Congratulations to Ryan Kesler.

The hard-working, gritty, defensively-responsible forward who had a breakout offensive year this season was just recognized league-wide for his checking prowess.

Kesler was one of three forwards nominated for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, given each year to the league's best defensive forward.

In a season where Roberto Luongo was overlooked for the Vezina, it is fitting that Ryan Kesler was nominated for the year-end gala.

While Kesler is more than deserving of his nomination and the award itself, it is probably safe to say that Vancouver fans were more than prepared for another oversight by the powers-that-be.

It makes it all the better that Kesler achieved this honor for a season in which he played his way from the team's third line to its quasi-first-line alongside Pavol Demitra and Mats Sundin. With 26 goals and 59 points, he ended up also being one of the team's top scorers, behind only the Sedin twins.