Patrice Bergeron, Ryan Kesler, Anze Kopitar selected as Selke finalists

Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins, Ryan Kesler of the Anaheim Ducks and Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings were named Thursday as the finalists for the Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward on Thursday.

Bergeron is a three-time winner (2012, 2014, 2015) of the award, which is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season. He also finished second in 2013.

"Being named a finalist for the Selke Trophy is a tremendous honor and one I am very grateful for," said Bergeron. "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."

A four-time Selke Trophy finalist, Kesler previously won the award as a member of the Vancouver Canucks during the 2010-11 season. The 6-2, 202-pound center appeared in his second season with Anaheim in 2015-16, scoring 21 goals while adding 32 assists with a plus-5 rating and 78 penalty minutes in 79 games.

On top of his defensive prowess, Kopitar, a three-time finalist, led the Kings in points (74), assists (25), game-winning goals (8), overtime goals (4; franchise record), ranked second in goals (25) and in plus/minus (plus-34).

The winner will be announced June 22 during the NHL Awards in Las Vegas.