Boston Bruins legend Patrice Bergeron will always be known for being the best two-way center of his generation. No. 37 won the Selke Trophy an NHL-record six times during his career, including back-to-back wins before retiring after the 2022-23 campaign.
However, while Bergeron was easily the NHL’s two-way forward for a significant portion of his career, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky does not view him to the same standard as Florida Panthers star Aleksander Barkov.
The Great One gave Barkov some big-time praise, calling him the best defensive hockey player he has seen since New York Islanders legend Bryan Trottier.
The Great One is a big Aleksander Barkov fan. 😳 #StanleyCup
📺: @EdmontonOilers vs. @FlaPanthers Game 2 TONIGHT at 8p ET on ABC, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, and @TVASports
(via Sportsnet) pic.twitter.com/0Ppzfcn4Tx
— NHL (@NHL) June 10, 2024
Given how outstanding Bergeron was defensively throughout his career, this take from Gretzky is certainly surprising. There is no question that Barkov, the NHL’s reigning Selke Trophy winner, is an excellent defensive player. However, Barkov hasn’t hit Bergeron’s level of defensive dominance.
