Anaheim's Samuel Pahlsson is one of the better two-way forwards in the league. He's spectacular on face-offs, water tight in his own end and he scores clutch goals from time to time. Also, he was instrumental in Sweden's gold medal winning performance in The Olympics. He's also really underrated. I've heard it said that if he wasn't so low-key he'd be major a candidate for the Selke Trophy. There isn't a GM in the league who wouldn't want Pahlsson on his team.

I totally forgot about Pahlsson. He was really good in the playoffs. I think the only thing keeping him off the list of candidates for the selke is his lack of offense. If he could put up around 50-60 points he might get more notice.

I completely agree. He was on kind of a hot streak towards the end of last season, so who knows. This coming year might just be his year, especially considering that Anaheim will have Pronger and Niedermayer patrolling the blue line and that may take some pressure off him.

I just wonder if he has the offensive skill to put up 50 points. I mean, the most points he's ever had in a season was 24. From what I've seen of him I don't think he shoots enough. It's almost as if he somewhat ignores the offensive part of the game because he excels at defense. Also (correct me if I'm wrong), he's not surrounded with good enough finishers on a checking line for him to put up lots of assists. I think he'll always just be a pretty good defensive forward who goes unnoticed by many because of his lack of offense.

I'm going to have to decide with EncinoMan, P.J. Axelsson is the best defensive forward I have seen in a long time. He is one of the best penalty kill players (Brian Rolston is #1) and ya he doesnt score a lot, but he does the little things, including penalty kill. He does anything to win, I just hope the Bruins can win more than last year.

No offense but if Axelsson is the best defensive forward you've seen in a long time you should watch some other teams play. Try watching Ottawa (Fisher), Dallas (Lehtinen), Carolina (Brind'amour), Toronto (Peca), etc. Axelsson is good but these are some of the premier defensive forwards.

I like Brind'amour he is very active defensively , but can also sneak in on the offensive and really show off he passing skills and even score as well. A true all around player.

I think he's really a strong bet to win his second straight Selke this year. If he keeps up his current play there's no better choice. He's such a great player.