Florida Panthers Captain Aleksander Barkov sets NHL record by winning Selke, King Clancy in the same year
Photo byAleksander Barkov just pulled off something no player in NHL history has ever done. The Florida Panthers captain clinched both the Selke Trophy and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy this year, a rare feat in itself—but made truly historic by achieving them in the same season.
While other legends have won both at different points in their careers, Barkov is the first to sweep the awards together—cementing his place as not just an elite two-way player, but also a community leader off the ice.
Aleksandar Barkov becomes first player to win Selke, King Clancy together
For the third time in his career, Barkov claimed the Selke Trophy, awarded to the league's best defensive forward. Alongside it, he earned his first King Clancy Trophy, given for exceptional leadership and humanitarian efforts.
While legends like Patrice Bergeron, Ron Francis, and Dave Poulin have won both over the course of their careers, none had managed to do it in a single season—until now.
What made the moment even more special? Children from Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital surprised Barkov by presenting him with the awards themselves.
'Bringing the kids from Joe DiMaggio to announce it — it was great for sure,' Barkov shared. 'I'll remember that for the rest of my life.'
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Reflecting on his journey from a wide-eyed teenager to team captain, Barkov said, 'When I first got here I was just a young kid and the community kind of like accepted me here… So at some point in my career it was just a matter of time when I realized I should probably start giving something back.'
His #BarkovScores4JoeD initiative has raised over $420,000 for the hospital since 2019, donating $1,600 per goal and $800 per assist.
Coach Paul Maurice praised Barkov's quiet, genuine nature: 'It so fits his personality that it's done quietly, not on a website every day. It's not a photo op for Sasha.'
Forward Sam Bennett added, 'He really is just the perfect human.'
In another franchise first, Panthers teammate Sam Reinhart finished second in Selke voting—marking the first 1-2 Selke finish by teammates.
As the Panthers gear up for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Oilers, Barkov's dual honor stands as a testament to leadership on and off the ice. And with his team rallying behind him, Florida fans are hoping there's even more history to write.
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Top NHL prospect Matthew Schaefer returns from injury ahead of 2025 draft
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