Pucks of a Feather Midseason Awards Ballot: Selke Trophy

Dec 27, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler (17) moves the puck in the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. The Coyotes defeated the Ducks 2-1 in an overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Number 5: Ryan Kesler

Ryan Kesler is one of the premier two-way forwards in the league, evidenced by his Selke Trophy in 2011. The Anaheim Ducks were looking to bolster their center depth behind Ryan Getzlaf, and Kesler has not disappointed for the Ducks.

Kesler plays 2:13 of time on the penalty-kill, while his 19:42 of ice time per game is tenth among NHL centermen. His ZS% is 48.6, so he starts more draws in the defensive third than the offensive third. Kesler is eighth in faceoff % among players with 500 minimum faceoffs (56.2%).

Why fifth? Anaheim’s penalty-kill isn’t a terrific area either: it’s only 18th, at 80.5%. His 5-on-5 goal differential is +2 (GF% of 52.2%). That’s not bad, but not great either. He’s also the only player on the ballot who’s Corsi Relative % is negative (barely, at -0.3%, but the lowest percentage on the ballot is +3.4%). Corsi measures shot attempts, but playing good defense usually limits shot attempts on one end and helps create on the other.

Next: Number 4: Up-And-Coming Young Forward