Patrice Bergeron, Aleksander Barkov and Elias Lindholm are the finalists for the Frank-Selke Trophy, the NHL announced Tuesday.
The award is given annually to the best defensive forward following a vote conducted by the Professional Association of Journalists Assigned to Hockey (PHWA).
Bergeron could win the prize for the fifth time, which will be the highest of all time. The Bruins center has won it four times, as has Bob Gainey.
The Quebec forward led the NHL in face-off performance (61.9%, minimum 500 face-offs). Finalist in this title for a record 11th consecutive season, Bergeron finished 2nd in the last two campaigns. He last received Selke in 2016-17.
For his part, Barkov ranks 1st among Florida Panthers forwards in ice time per game (20:18), 2nd in average time on penalty kills (2:10) and 3rd for in intercepted shots (42). Finn, who won the Selke Trophy last season, will be the first player to win the award in two consecutive years since Bergeron in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015.
For his part, Lindholm was 2nd in the league in differential (+61) and he led the Calgary Flames forward in average time used per game (19:57) and average playing time exceeded (2 : 07). The Swede, who is a finalist for the first time, will be the first Flames player to earn this honor.
Source: Radio-Canada
