There were two additions to this list in 2019 - Crosby and Barkov.
It was Barkov's first "top ten and ten" season. Crosby has now done this four years (all consecutive) - only Kurri has more "top ten and ten" seasons in total. Although Crosby has become noticeably better defensively over his career, I feel like his recent placements in the Selke trophy are, at least partially, based on reputation - would anybody seriously argue that he's as good a two-way forward as Kurri or Ron Francis (who also has four "top ten and ten" seasons)?
Patrice Bergeron surely would have made this list for the first time in his career if not for injuries (3rd in Selke voting despite missing 17 games, and he was 8th in points per game).
Another close call - Braden Point was 9th in Selke voting and finished 12th in scoring (four points out of the top ten).
Ryan O'Reilly won the Selke and Conn Smythe - what a week for him. I believe he's the only player in NHL history, aside from Bob Gainey, to do both in the same season.
First off, thanks HO for doing these!
I've watched about 95% of Sid's games live (tv or in person) since day one and I think this past year he certainly deserved the praise and 4th place finish (and 2nd in the Hart). The previous 3 were a bit much, but once Mike Sullivan came in Sid really started engaging more defensively. He's long been responsible but nothing special one way or the other. As I've said many times, he's on the Yzerman career arc as far as his style of play goes.
Sid's favorite player growing up was Stevie Y. Yzerman was an offensive dynamo early in his career (like Sid, just not quite as dominant offensively) and started sacrificing his offense for defense as he got further along into his 30's. Scotty Bowman was a huge influence (or dictator if you like haha) on that change of course.
Crosby is just such a pro. He understands the grind. He understands the history of the game, has legends at his disposal to bounce questions off of. Nobody will ever question his legendary work ethic and part of that is striving to be the most complete hockey player yo can be, especially as you lose just a little bit of speed, a little bit of mustard on the shots, etc.
I think he can and will (deserve) to win a Selke before his career is over. The skill/IQ is there. The will is there. Just a matter of time.