Ryan O’Reilly nominated for Frank J. Selke Trophy

The last member of the Blues who was nominated for one of the major NHL Awards was David Backes in 2012 for the Frank J. Selke award. The Selke is awarded to the player who “best excels in the defensive side of the game,” and that is the style of play that Backes buttered his bread with here in St. Louis.

The Blues have another Selke nominee as of today. Ryan O’Reilly has been nominated for a stellar season. In his first year with the Blues, the centerman lead the team in regular season points with 77 (28G, 49A), a +22 rating, and five game winning goals. He won 1086 faceoffs this season, more than anyone else in the NHL and good for 56.9 percent.

He was the Blues’ lone All-Star Game representative this year while posting career numbers.

This isn’t the only NHL Award that O’Reilly has been nominated for this season. He is also the Blues’ nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. O’Reilly has jumped into community service in St. Louis since arriving here this summer. He purchased a suite and four club level tickets for underprivileged kids in metro STL, disabled athletes, or kids battling illness nearly immediately after arriving in St. Louis.

He’s led by example on and off of the ice and more than deserves his Selke nomination.