Two-way forward

Typically, a player's frame is not an issue in whether he can be a two-way forward.

Perseverance is key to being a two-way forward, as it is an attribute that gives rise to battling in the corners or preventing odd man rushes by the opposing team.

As such, good two-way forwards are often capable playmakers.

Two-way forwards that do not have top offensive numbers are sometimes left in the shadows of high-scoring forwards and so are rarely named to all-star games or all-star teams, but commentators often reiterate their importance to a team.

The National Hockey League (NHL) presents its best two-way forward with the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the forward "who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game."

Patrice Bergeron won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward a record six times, and was a finalist every year from 2012 to 2023