In the least surprising news to break Thursday night, Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron was announced as one of three finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, given annually to the NHL’s top defensive forward.
“Being named a finalist for the Selke Trophy is a tremendous honor and one I am very grateful for,” Bergeron said in a statement released by the Bruins. “While it is an individual award, my teammates and coaches deserve a lot of credit as well. Ryan and Anze are two elite players who both had great seasons and it is a privilege to be a finalist alongside them. Thanks to all of those who voted, and I look forward to the NHL Awards Show on June 22.”
Bergeron is a three-time Selke Trophy winner, taking home the honor in 2012, 2014 and 2015. The 30-year-old led the Bruins with 68 points this season — his highest single-season total since 2006-07 — while also ranking second on the team with a career-high 32 goals and again excelling at the faceoff dot (57.1 percent, good for seventh in the NHL among players who took at least 500 draws).
Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler and Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar round out the 2016 finalists.
Thumbnail photo via Bruce Fedyck/USA TODAY Sports Images
